God's surprises can really mess up a nice, neat, orderly life. Surprise children are one way. Pathetic King Ahaz is confronted by the prophet Isaiah with a child named Immanuel, and Joseph has to figure out the mess with Mary being pregnant. How to decide and manage the mess?
King Ahaz is in a tough spot. Two neighboring states - Aram and Israel - are waging war on Judah. The politics are pretty complex, but Ahaz has been thinking that an alliance with the Assyrians would get those two nations off his back. Frankly, he doesn't know what to do; it's a mess. His indecision is maddening for the prophet. Finally, Isaiah gives the King the sign that he wouldn't even ask for. It involves a child who will be called Immanuel - God with us - who bring blessing to God's faithful. But the faithless indecision of Ahaz has consequences.
Joseph, betrothed to Mary, is also facing a mess. He never did anything, yet she is pregnant. The smart move would be to quietly end the engagement and part company. Frankly, the whole idea of this pregnancy being an act of God, as Mary claims, is really far-fetched.
But then an angel comes to him in a dream, affirming everything Mary said. Huh. Joseph has to make a decision: figure out the mess and find the promise of God. What will he do and why?
Check out the sermon video below to learn more.
King Ahaz is in a tough spot. Two neighboring states - Aram and Israel - are waging war on Judah. The politics are pretty complex, but Ahaz has been thinking that an alliance with the Assyrians would get those two nations off his back. Frankly, he doesn't know what to do; it's a mess. His indecision is maddening for the prophet. Finally, Isaiah gives the King the sign that he wouldn't even ask for. It involves a child who will be called Immanuel - God with us - who bring blessing to God's faithful. But the faithless indecision of Ahaz has consequences.
Joseph, betrothed to Mary, is also facing a mess. He never did anything, yet she is pregnant. The smart move would be to quietly end the engagement and part company. Frankly, the whole idea of this pregnancy being an act of God, as Mary claims, is really far-fetched.
But then an angel comes to him in a dream, affirming everything Mary said. Huh. Joseph has to make a decision: figure out the mess and find the promise of God. What will he do and why?
Check out the sermon video below to learn more.
| 12-22-19-sermon.mp3 |
| 12-22-19-ff-answers.pdf |
| 12-22-19-immanuel_messy_child.pdf |