Today's Verse: Matthew 1:20-21

Saturday, December 17, 2022

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 Saturday, December 17, 2022

A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"GOD has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other, sees him at work,..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"Jesus said [to Judas], "My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for." Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part...."

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.