God Our Emmanuel – Looking Back and Moving Forward

Victor Mushimbami

Introduction

Good morning, Church! Today, as we reflect on John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us", we are reminded of a profound truth: God did not stay distant; He came close, as Emmanuel, “God with us.” As we look back over this year, filled with challenges and uncertainties, we also look forward with hope. 

Just as the Israelites raised their Ebenezer and declared, "Thus far the Lord has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12), we too are called to remember God's faithfulness and trust Him as we move into the new year. However, it's important to remember that before they raised the Ebenezer, the Israelites acknowledged their sin and asked Samuel to intercede for them. When the Philistines approached, they were filled with fear, yet they continued to trust in the Lord. In response, God thundered from heaven and defeated their enemies. In the same way, we are called to reflect on our own Ebenezer journey with God. The moment you accepted Christ, He came to dwell in you forever, uniting you with Him through the Holy Spirit. If you are not saved, I invite you to begin this Ebenezer journey today. It begins with acknowledging your sin and placing your faith in Christ, the true "stone of help." Only then can you truly say, "Thus far the Lord has brought us." If you've backslidden, I'm inviting you to repent and put away idols of life and put him number 1 in your life again.

The Redeemer Who Understands Us

“The Word became flesh...” (John 1:14)

This verse speaks to the life-changing power of those who believe in Jesus. Their transformation is proof of the truth they believe in. Humanity can now become sons and daughters of God because the Son of God became human. This is where the Journey begins and our walk with God so that we can have our Ebenezer Journey.

This isn’t about God appearing to be human, this is about Him truly becoming flesh. The word "flesh" is used here because it emphasizes Jesus taking on human nature in its fullness, as opposed to just the spiritual or divine. It captures the incredible reality of God stepping into the material, physical world.

It’s not just about the divine meeting the human in a spiritual sense. It’s about God, in all His glory, becoming fully human so that we might become His children. This truth, of the eternal Word becoming flesh, should leave us in awe. How amazing that the One who holds the universe together would step into our world to redeem us!

When John speaks of the Word becoming flesh, it is not just a theological statement; it is deeply personal. It means that God came close to understand our struggles, pains, and weaknesses. He didn’t stay distant or aloof. As Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”

In the story of Ruth, we see a powerful picture of redemption. Naomi and Ruth needed a redeemer to buy back their land and restore their family. However, the first redeemer could not fulfill this role. Why? Because he lacked either the ability or the willingness to redeem. This points us to the Law, which, while perfect, could not save us due to our weakness (Romans 8:3).

But then came Boaz, who, as a picture of Christ, stepped in as the true redeemer. In the presence of ten witnesses, the number representing the Law, he fulfilled the requirements of redemption and restored Naomi and Ruth. Similarly, Christ fulfilled the Law in every way, stepping in where the Law alone could not save.

Jesus came close so He could redeem us fully. This truth speaks directly to us today. You may feel like you are beyond help, weak, burdened, or unworthy. But Christ, as our Emmanuel, entered our world to meet us exactly where we are. Look back on this year. Can you see moments when Jesus showed you that He understood your pain and carried your burdens?

The Redeemer making his dwelling among Us

“…and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14)

The phrase “made his dwelling” reminds us of the Tabernacle in the Old Testament, where God’s presence resided among His people. Throughout history, God has shown Himself faithful in His presence.

The Word became flesh and lived among us, Jesus “tabernacled” with us. In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people. It was a special, holy place, but it was hidden behind curtains and skins. 

In the same way, when Jesus came as a man, the glory of God was hidden in His humble life. He took on our weaknesses and limitations but still revealed God’s glory through His life. He showed us what God is like by how He lived, taught, and healed. He made God’s presence known to everyone around Him, fulfilling the prophecy that “the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).

The Tabernacle was also where sacrifices were made to atone for sin. Jesus, in His human body, became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. His entire life was an offering to God, and He gave Himself on the cross to bring us back to God. Through His death, He made a way for us to be forgiven and have peace with God. The barrier of sin that kept us apart from God was broken by what He did on the cross.

The Tabernacle was called the “tent of meeting” because it was the place where God met His people. In the same way, Jesus is the true meeting place between God and us. By becoming human, He bridged the gap between God and mankind. He made it possible for us to come near to God. Through Jesus, we can experience God’s love, forgiveness, and presence in a way that was impossible before. He’s the one who brings us close to God.

In Jesus, we see the perfect fulfillment of the Tabernacle. He is where God dwells among us, where God’s glory is revealed, where the ultimate sacrifice for our sins is made, and where we can meet God face to face. When we look at Jesus, we see God’s plan for us, to be reconciled with Him and to experience His presence in a personal way. So, as we celebrate His coming, let’s remember the incredible truth that God chose to live among us, to offer His life for us, and to bring us near to Him. Through Jesus, we can experience the greatest joy of all, knowing God and being known by Him.

As we reflect on the truth that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, we are reminded that God’s presence is constant, no matter the circumstances we face. Since the moment we repented and invited Jesus into our hearts, He has made His dwelling within us. Even in our most difficult times, sickness, financial struggles, leadership challenges, and moments of division, God has never left us. His presence is not influenced by our circumstances, nor is His plan ever changed by the things we go through.

In 1 Samuel 7, when Israel faced a great battle, they raised a stone as a reminder of God's faithfulness, calling it "Ebenezer," which means, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." Despite the difficulties they encountered, that stone stood as a testimony that God had not failed them. It was a reminder that His plan and His help were unshaken, no matter what was happening around them.

However, for us today, our Ebenezer begins with Christ becoming flesh, coming to save us, and leading us from spiritual Egypt to the promised land of Canaan. As we look back on our journey, we can see His faithfulness from the very start. Just as Israel raised their Ebenezer, we can raise ours, not because everything has been easy, but because Christ's faithfulness has never wavered. Even in the midst of our own struggles, be it sickness, stress, or any other challenge, His presence and His unchanging plan are with us.

We can say with confidence, "Thus far the Lord has helped us," because His faithfulness endures through every circumstance. His plan for us is not dependent on the challenges we face, but on His unwavering love and faithfulness.

God’s Glory Revealed in Us

“We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son…” (John 1:14)

Jesus didn’t just come to dwell among us; He came to reveal the glory of God. His life, death, and resurrection displayed grace and truth in action. And that same glory is now revealed through us, His people.

You might feel like the least, like the church is on the verge of collapse. But remember, God’s glory often shines brightest in our weakness. Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God takes what the world sees as broken and makes it beautiful.

As we move into the new year, let us commit to being vessels of God’s glory. Even in our struggles, we can reflect His grace and truth. We are not alone, Emmanuel is with us, transforming us and empowering us to be His witnesses.

Conclusion

 Emmanuel, Yesterday, Today, and Forever

As we close, let us remember: Emmanuel is not just a name for the Christmas season; it is the reality of our lives. God is with us, He was with us in the past, He is with us now, and He will be with us in the future.

Just as Naomi found hope in Boaz and Israel raised their Ebenezer, we too can trust God to redeem our story and lead us forward. So, as we enter the new year, let us say with confidence, “Thus far the Lord has helped us,” and trust Him to carry us through.

Let me leave you with two quotes from William Carey and my quotes:

 "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." – William Carey

"The future is as bright as the promises of God." – William Carey

 "Our Ebenezer begins with Christ, who stepped into our world to lead us from spiritual Egypt to the promised land of eternal hope." – Victor Mushimbami

"The Word becoming flesh is not just a truth to be understood; it is a life to be lived, a journey with Emmanuel, God with us." – Victor Mushimbami

"Even in the midst of our greatest struggles, we can confidently say, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us,' for His faithfulness never wavers." – Victor Mushimbami

"God’s glory shines brightest in our weakness, turning brokenness into beauty and despair into hope." – Victor Mushimbami

"Christ did not just come near; He made His dwelling within us, proving that His presence is constant, unchanging, and victorious over every circumstance." – Victor Mushimbami

"The Tabernacle’s fulfillment in Jesus reminds us that God’s ultimate desire is to dwell with us and transform us by His glory." – Victor Mushimbami

"Our journey with God is an Ebenezer journey, marked by His faithfulness and leading us from despair to redemption." – Victor Mushimbami

"God’s plan is never altered by our circumstances; His presence ensures that even in our darkest times, we are never alone." – Victor Mushimbami