God with Us

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).—Matthew 1:23

We usually hear this verse quoted during the Christmas season, but the opening chapter of Matthew reveals a key theme that is valuable for us at all times throughout the year. The Gospel of Matthew begins by introducing us to the “with-us” Jesus (1:23) and concludes with the same emphasis when Jesus told the disciples: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (28:20). See how the theme of God’s presence is revealed in every chapter of this Gospel and how this precious truth can motivate us to live as modern-day disciples of Jesus. It is my prayer that through this study we will:

• Praise God that His presence is always with us, even in tough times
• Be encouraged by the different ways God’s presence manifests itself
• Be motivated to live out His presence in our everyday lives

Your devotional author,
James F. Coakley

BY James Coakley

Dr. Jim Coakley is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. He earned his BA in Pastoral Studies from Calvary Bible College, his M.Div. and Th.M. in Old Testament from Grace Theological Seminary, and his doctorate from Covenant Theological Seminary. Jim is the author of 14 Fresh Ways to Enjoy the Bible (Moody Publishers). He and his wife, Gayle, live in the western suburbs of Chicago and have two adult children and three grandchildren. 

VOLUME 37 EDITION 6

Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz, Senior Editor: Elena Mafter, Contributing Editor: John Koessler, Writer: James Coakley, Art Director: Lynn Gabalec, Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson, Marketing: JD Hamby, Production: Rhonda AuYeung