Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:10–16
Introduction
A. The sign of Immanuel reminds us that God is always in control, even when it seems like nothing is going the way it should.
B. This marvelous story still has the power to inspire hope and confidence in the power of God’s promises.
Discussion
I. The Immanuel sign was given in a troublesome time.
A. For Ahaz, king of Judah, there was trouble literally on every side (Isaiah 7:1–2; 2 Kings 16:6; 2 Chronicles 28:17–18).
B. There was a lot at stake during this crisis (Isaiah 7:5–6).
II. God sent Ahaz a message of hope and assurance.
A. God was going to deal with this situation decisively (Isaiah 7:8–9, 16, 23–25).
B. God was going to firmly establish the throne of King Ahaz (Isaiah 7:9; cf. 2 Samuel 7:16).
C. God’s resolution would come quickly, but not immediately (Isaiah 7:8, 14–15; 8:4).
III. When God makes a promise, we need to trust Him to keep it.
A. Ahaz didn’t have the faith in God that he needed (Isaiah 7:11–13).
B. Ahaz wasn’t willing to wait on God to keep His promise (2 Kings 16:7–8).
C. We need to put our trust in God (Isaiah 7:4).
Conclusion
A. Thankfully the son of Ahaz learned to put greater trust in God.
B. Are you willing to trust in God’s promises even when there is a lot at stake and it seems crazy to keep trusting?