Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. – Isaiah 7:14
Have you ever pursued something, or someone, with great diligence only to be turned a different direction when you thought you were close to obtaining it? It’s possible you desired something but talked yourself out of it “because it could never happen,” or “it could never be mine.”
Your thoughts are not new to God. King Ahaz, just beginning his reign over Judah, was scared… so frightened that he joined forces with Assyria in anticipation of an attack by the combined armies of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel. But Ahaz was wicked. He never thought of the blessings he had as a descendant of David, and the confidence he could have in the Lord’s protective care. Isaiah was even sent to Ahaz to reassure him that God had control of the situation. Isaiah told Ahaz to ask for a sign (Isaiah 7:10)! Just as God had given Gideon a sign of encouragement (Judges 6:36-40), he was ready to do the same for Ahaz.
But Ahaz would not ask. His sinfulness interfered with his communication with God. So Isaiah proclaimed that “the Lord himself will give you a sign” (Isaiah 7:14). The ramifications were far-reaching. Immanuel, God with us, would come in a physical, as well as spiritual, way.
Sometimes God’s signs are evident; obstacles continue to prevent you from doing or obtaining something. It’s possible that sin is a barrier to the Lord’s working. In other instances, the “doors” will open for you in ways not possible without Him. Keep the channels open to hearing His words to you, and pray continually for guidance and protection for yourself and the leaders of this nation.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Isaiah 11:1-2, 10; 12:1-6
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
1 You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
6 Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
