In Matthew’s birth narrative of Jesus, he writes, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the Prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)’” (Matt. 1:22-23). This Scripture fulfills some old prophecies we witness in the Old Testament. God promised to be with us in a whole new way, and he fulfills this during the New Testament.
John 14:16-17
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John: 14:16-17). God exists with us in a whole new way after his death and resurrection.
In this passage, Jesus promises that we will experience God in an unprecedented way. When he ascends into heaven and can no longer physically be with the disciples, the Holy Spirit comes and rests on each of them (taking on the appearance of tongues of fire). The Holy Spirit dwells within them and stays with them forever.
We don't get to see this in the Old Testament. Although the Holy Spirit would empower people, never had he permanently tabernacled within someone, until after Jesus ascended.
What a beautiful reminder! God does not abandon us to navigate life on our own. Instead, the Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and intercedes for us.
Jeremiah 31
“Behold, the days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah . . . For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer. 31:31, 33).
God doesn't leave his people in the lurch in the Old Testament. He knew they had a problem with sin that no amount of good deeds could ever rectify. So he makes this promise. That he will find a way to be with us.
We also need to keep in mind the context of Jeremiah. This prophet existed during a difficult time in Israel's history. Babylon had conquered them and taken its people into captivity. Nevertheless, Jeremiah leaves this with this hope and promise of a new covenant with God, to be fulfilled 500 years later.
Matthew 28:20
Before Jesus left this earth, he spoke the following words to his disciples, “And behold, I am always with you, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). They must've felt some trepidation when he ascended into heaven. Jesus, who had walked by their side for three years, had vanished. Nevertheless, this promise shows that Jesus never left. God would still be with them through the role of the Holy Spirit. God never abandons us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
Back in the Old Testament, people would have to travel to the Temple during select days of the week and of the year. And no one could truly approach the dwelling place of God (the Ark of the Covenant), except for the High Priest, once a year. And if he did it wrong, he could die! Thankfully, we have a different sort of temple thanks to the New Covenant. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, instead of us having to approach the Holy of Holies.
How wonderful that God chooses to reside within us! That we can boldly approach him and feel his presence. Something that many heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 could only hope to dream of.
psalm 139:7
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). We cannot escape God. To those who love God, this can come as a comfort and reassurance. To those who want to flee from God or his plan, like Jonah, this may feel like a bit of a warning.
One thing I found to be interesting in my philosophy minor was that every philosopher pointed to the Gospel, whether they intended to or not. Plato, Kant, Aristotle, etc. all had Gospel threads woven into their messages. We cannot escape God physically, mentally, or spiritually
Hurt and pain are guaranteed in this world. Jesus tells us that we will have trouble but that we can take heart because He has overcome the world! (John 16:33) Through scripture, we can be comforted by knowing that God is faithful, and is always looking over us. He truly cares and is our protector and comforter in times of need. Whatever the circumstance may be, we can use these comforting Bible verses to find a peace that passes understanding.
Stop and rest today as you read these words of comfort from your Lord and Creator. Meditate on these Scripture passages throughout the day when you feel anxiety or grief wash over you. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and He promised to never leave you. Hold onto the promises of God below as you seek His peace and comfort today
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