Today's Verse: Matthew 1:20-21

Sunday, December 17, 2006

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus first had to become the sins of the people before he could save them (us) from those sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 4:10). His own people rejected him before his forgiveness could be received. Jesus' gift of salvation was incredibly costly to him. It is a reminder of two great truths: God loves us incredibly and salvation is a precious gift. In Jesus we know and experience both truths!

My Prayer...

Almighty God and Savior, thank you for bearing the cost of my sin in Jesus. Thank you precious Lord for taking on human flesh and bearing its difficulties and facing rejection so I could be saved. My salvation makes all other names pale in comparison to Jesus, in whom I offer all thanks and praise. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

28 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:20-21 — An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 17, 2006

A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
""Well then," [Jesus] said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." So they failed to trap him by what he said....."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. For his....."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
""Go and get your husband," Jesus told [the woman at Jacob's well]. "I don't have a husband," the woman replied. Jesus said, "You're right! You..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.