Isaiah 8

The Explanation

God spoke to Isaiah. He said, write a name on a big tablet. A very long name. The name was Maher Shalal Hash Baz.

Soon a baby was born. A little boy. Isaiah called him by that long name, just like God said. The baby was tiny. He could not talk yet. He could not say “papa” or “mama.”

But God said something would happen fast. Faster than the baby learning to talk. Far away, big armies were coming. Like a flood of water, rising and rising. Over the ground, into the fields, up to the neck.

Water can be scary when it rises too high.

What Does This Mean?

The people were afraid. They looked at kings and armies. They did not look at God. But Isaiah heard something good in the middle of the scary flood. God said, "Immanuel." That means God is with us.

Even when water rises high, even when armies come near, God is not far away. He is right there.

The Common Thread

Long, long after this, another baby was born. His name was also Immanuel. His real name was Jesus. He came to be with us too. Not just a word this time, but a real baby, with tiny hands and a soft cry.

Isaiah said God is like a rock. A safe place to stand on. Jesus is that rock. When everything shakes around us, He does not shake.

Isaiah also said, "I will wait for Yahweh." He did not run to fortune tellers or magic whispers. He waited for God, and looked for Him, even when it was hard to see God's face.

For You

Sometimes you feel scared too. Maybe it is dark in your room. Maybe there is a loud noise you don't like. You can do what Isaiah did. You can wait for God. You can look for Him, even in the dark.

You don't need magic words or secret whispers. You can just talk to God. He hears you. He is Immanuel. God with us. God with you.

Talk About It

When have you felt scared, like water was rising too high?

What does it feel like to know God is with you, even in the dark?

Praying Together

Dear God, You are Immanuel. You are with me. When I am scared, help me wait for You, and look for You, like Isaiah did. Thank You for Jesus, who came to be with us too. Amen.