“For
unto us a child is born” Isaiah 9
Why
did the Messiah not just appear as a man? – because God chose to reveal Himself
in real humanity!
Previously
it was the overflowing flood
it was devastating
judgements in Egypt
it was lightening and
thunder with fire at Sinai
it was in the shekinah glory – tabernacle and
temple.
This
prophecy predicts God stepping into humanity as a child!
This
is the Son saying “here am I send Me”
This
is Him who was rich, choosing to become poor!
(2 Corinthians 8)
This
is the Redeemer stepping down to ‘take part of human life’ (Hebrews 2}
But
why? - to set an example for us?? – Yes (1
Peter 2) – so that we could follow His footsteps and be wholly dependant on God
the Father like He was.
He came as the last Adam, demonstrating submission and obedience to God ( Romans 5) , in a
relationship with God intended at the beginning. (Genesis 1)
He came to show what true communion
with God was meant be. (Mark 1:35 14:36)
But most important – it was in His undefiled
humanity that He became the redeemer, the sacrificial lamb, the one choosing to
taste death for everyone . (John 1, Hebrews 2).
The
baby that could have excelled in every human skill, grew up in the humblest of
beginnings, content to live in despised Nazareth, at age twelve chose to submit
to Joseph and Mary, (even though He knew His true identity). He laboured as the
carpenter’s son to be a tradesman instead of climbing the ladder of prominence.
After His baptism He chose to serve God, by serving the people in Galilee of
the Gentiles. By seeking to serve, rather than rule He sympathised with the
people in their need, showing the shepherd heart of God.
At
the appointed time, He gave His very life for peoples so undeserving.
That
child born perfect , lived a sinless
life, was crucified and laid in a tomb misunderstood by all, - except by God.
In God’s eyes, this child had become the Lamb of God, bearing away the sin of
the world.
When
men thought He was finished, God intervened and raised HIM from the dead, thus
vindicating His claims to purity and deity. As the ascended man in heaven, He
is holy, harmless and undefiled – a true man in heaven, the Saviour of all who
believe in Him.
The
WORD that became flesh had fulfilled the purpose of God so completely that, then and now, the promise is true:
“to
as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become the children
of God”. (John 1:12)
