Isaiah foretold the birth of a son

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel,” (Isaiah 7:14)

Really, it is God that reveals Himself to His people including the prophets as found in the Old Testament. However, what is revealed, may take some time, yet, it will come to pass. And so, in this instance, we saw Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in 5th BC that is 700 years after it was given. His prophecy was directed to the household of David and he says: “A sign shall be given to you, a virgin shall conceive and give birth to a Son and His name shall be called “Immanuel” (God is with us). This gave rise to celebration of Christmas.

Indeed, the aim of prophecies is to give hope to the immediate receivers and not necessarily to use it like some prophets to make headline news or to play to the gallery as if one is the originator of such a message. We must take to heart that our God is involved and interested in the affairs of men. Truly, prophecies remain a veritable channel through which God communicates to mankind.

Therefore, it is instructive that a virgin was found worthy to be the carrier of the Saviour of the world. Her humility and comportment to Angel Gabriel says it all. She says: “How will this be, Mary asked the angel, “Since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). To show that it was the mind of God, she was reassured “The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God,” (Luke 1:35). When God is involved, things, which appear difficult and ordinarily impossible to humankind, to Him, is possible. Of course, the Bible affirms thus: “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You,” (Jeremiah 32:17). Also, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). More so, in tandem with His word He says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away,” (Matthew 24:35).

Notice, Isaiah’s prophecy about the virgin birth came to pass even though it took some time. However, this was to reassure people of God that His word will remain infallible but what they need to do is to trust Him and not to waver in faith. A situation where some people sometimes allow themselves to be buffeted is not good and should not be encouraged. For God will remain God no matter what happens.

Again, when prophets reveal the mind of God, it is for the blessing of God’s people. They should not, therefore, make it, a headline news or play to the gallery. Let it be stated that they are channels but never the source. Isaiah was contented to give out the message as he received: “A virgin shall give birth to a son and His name will be called Immanuel.”

Also, the instrument that God used, pure and humble virgin upon whom God’s favour was present in full measure. This should be a thing of joy and should be emulated in all intent and purposes. However, we feel indicted, as many young people are not living in moral rectitude. Parents and Church leaders should insist that the crop of young people we have today should toe the foot part of Virgin Mary who found favour in the sight of God. It is only through this means that the present evil and immoral society will be returned to God. Remember, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).

Therefore, Isaiah foretold of the prophecy of a birth of a Son and it came to pass. Let us be assured that God’s prophecy about us as a nation and individuals shall also come to pass. However, we should remain expectant and further be encouraged by what God has for us “for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope,” (Jer. 29:11). May God fulfil His plans for us in this season and always in Jesus name! Amen.

Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre,
Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org