Matthew 1:22-23, The Prophecy is Fulfilled

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Comments

God keeps his promises. He means what he says. In this passage, Matthew quotes directly from Isaiah 7:14 to reinforce fulfilled prophecy. This name “Immanuel” is another way to show believers that Jesus separates us from our sin. Before the Fall, Eve and Adam lived face to face with God. After Jesus, we can too.

Application/Reflection

We can live by faith because God keeps his promises. The Bible records over and over again the faithfulness of God to his promises. Faithfulness is the character of God we rely on. As Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:13, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” Where have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life?

Prayer

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 212)