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

27 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

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Mr. MacDonald asked the inhabitants of the island of St. Kilda how a man must be saved. An old man replied, "We shall be saved if we repent, and..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Jesus continued,] "Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be..."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul's belt, and bound his own feet...."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Precious One, No matter what you are facing — right now or ever in the future — please know that I care about your struggles. I will..."

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.