Bible Reading: Matthew 1:23
One of the many names for Jesus is Immanuel – “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew
1:23).
When God created us, His plan was for us to be with Him forever. When sin came into the world through Adam’s disobedient act, we were forced away from God. That’s because God is perfectly holy and can’t be around sin. Sin forced us to have to worship and fellowship with God from a distance.
God wasn’t happy with that situation. God wanted to be with us again and to be able to continue being with us throughout all eternity. Therefore, God sent Jesus to be with us on earth for a time.
While Jesus – Immanuel – was with us in the form of a human man, He did what we were incapable of doing. He lived a human life in perfect obedience to God. Then Jesus was crucified on a cross, taking the punishment that should have been ours since we’re the ones who have disobeyed God. Then Jesus rose to life again and is waiting for us in heaven. If we believe in Jesus and accept what He did for us,
God will be able to be with us – and we with Him – in heaven forever.
“And surely I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m grateful that, through Jesus, I can have forgiveness for my sins and be with You in heaven forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.