What Jesus Did! 'God's Promise Comes True' — Matthew 1:22-25

Saturday, January 7, 2017

All this happened to make clear the full meaning of the things the Lord said through the prophet: "The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel." (Immanuel means, "God with us.") When Joseph woke up, he did the thing that the Lord's angel told him to do. Joseph married Mary. But Joseph had no sexual union with Mary until she gave birth to the son. And Joseph named the son Jesus.
— Matthew 1:22-25 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 1:22-25 NLT — "The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel." —— "God with us."

Key Thought

What if the fulfillment of God's greatest promises depended upon my faithfulness? Ouch! That's a tough question. But verses 23-24 emphasize how this happened with Joseph and Mary. In very simple and straightforward terms, Matthew tells how God spoke his will through the prophets and angels as well as how Joseph and Mary obeyed what God told them to do. That's still the same way God's promises to people come true today. God uses the simple obedience in matters big and small to bring about his promised salvation. We will not always know why God calls us to some task, challenge, or opportunity, but we can be sure that he will use our faithfulness to him to his glory and our greater good.

Today's Prayer

Majestic and loving God, forgive me for my lack of obedience. Please give me a deeper understanding and appreciation of how my obedience also helps you fulfill your promises and bring Jesus into the lives of others. In the name of Jesus I thank you and ask for this grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 1:18-20
  • 1 Samuel 3:19-21
  • Hebrews 10:23-25

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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