All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:22-23
Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:13-14
Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus
Isaiah the prophet spoke to King Ahaz.
He asked the king to confirm his faith in God
By asking for a sign.
Ahaz refused.
His faith and trust was in the nation of Assyria.
It was in his own skill as a ruler and a diplomat.
It was is the economic good times.
And his faith was in anything BUT God.
Ahaz wrapped his refusal in the language of piety.
“I will not test the Lord,” he said.
He was playing to the crowd, to his court,
And hoped to fool the prophet as well.
God was not fooled.
Yet, in grace, He gave the sign anyway.
Not only did He give a sign, He gave a Son.
He gave a promise. He gave His presence.
God with us.
Ahaz wanted no part of that.
Those who love darkness rather than light are still with us.
One day God’s patience will be exhausted.
The prophecies of His second coming will be fulfilled just like the first.
God will be with us eternally.
The others will be without God eternally.
And the sign He gave
Was the cross at Calvary.