How do we know that Christ really came to earth? How do we know that He is really God's Son? This is addressed partially in Isaiah 7, as one of the most quoted passages of Scripture at Christmas time is found in this chapter. We know that Christ was obviously a very important person, even when looked at from a completely secular perspective. With that in consideration, we must remember when the book of Isaiah was written as well. The prophecy made in this chapter about Christ was written almost 700 years before His birth!
Now why do we find it here and what context do we find it in here in chapter 7? Well, much like when Christ actually came to earth, Judah was in need of a Savior. At the beginning of this chapter they are warring with Israel and Aram, so naturally the leaders of Judah were frightened. They needed a sign that everything was going to be okay. At the time Israel stood on the brink of conquering Judah. King Ahaz was so fearful that he didn't even want to test God for a sign that everything would be okay. Because of Judah's destiny, however, God gave a sign.
10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 "Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."
12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test."
13 Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. 16 But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.
The virgin birth here, Immanuel, is none other than Jesus. Isaiah is basically saying that before He comes, Judah will be delivered from its enemies. Therefore, there was nothing for them to fear. It seems somewhat trivial thinking about a minor war being over by bringing this prophecy to light, but this is still a major step in the history of Judah. Once again, the king of Judah was at a crossroads where God was asking the king to trust Him.
TODAY'S QUESTIONS:
- Is this the first prophecy concerning the Messiah?
- Why had Judah fallen so far from its faith?
- How does this link with yesterday's lesson on truth?
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