Emmanuel, God With Us

This fall we’ve been watching The Bible Series and discussing how it portrays and interprets the Biblical story. Hollywood’s attempts to tell the Bible story usually miss the point. I am especially concerned that this particular series focused too much on violence to attract viewers rather than God’s grace and faithfulness. But in general, we can thank God because the series has encouraged people inside and outside the church to think about and read the Bible.

One of the interesting decisions the script writers made was to focus on the theme of “God with us.” Even though you won't find that phrase in the stories when you read your Bible, almost every episode had some character uttering that phrase as encouragement to others—often to rush into a battle with a sword or club. At first, I thought the series used it uncritically, as if to say “God is with us” meant the character was doing God’s will. Abraham said it as he rushed into a camp to rescue Lot—and graphically slaughter his captors. (It was strange they spent screen time on this obscure episode in Genesis 14:13-16. The Bible focuses on the rescue not the violence!)

The series showed that it had a more nuanced view of “God with us.” When Samson lost his strength, he questioned whether God was with him. Saul shouted the phrase when it was already clear that God no longer supported him as king but had chosen David. Paul was portrayed as persecuting Christians while shouting, “God is with us,” only to be confronted by the risen Jesus on the road who asks, “Why do you persecute me?”

As we approach Christmas, it is good for us to remember that “God with us” is Jesus’ name: “Emmanuel” (Matt 1:23). Jesus coming to us, our Savior, our Lord—that’s what we mean when we say God is with us. “God is with us” doesn’t mean everything will go our way. “God is with us” doesn’t mean what we do is necessarily God’s will. “God is with us” does not shield us from criticism; in fact, if we are aware that God is with us, we should expect God’s critical gaze on our thoughts, words, and deeds. Even more, “God is with us” means Jesus is forgiving us and wants to lead us. He is our Prince of Peace in a violent and unjust world. Jesus is "God with Us."