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

Thursday, January 7, 2021

[The angel's assurance to Joseph that he should marry Mary] occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet:

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means 'God is with us.'"

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

— Matthew 1:22-25 NLT

Key Thought

What if the fulfillment of God's greatest promises depended on my faithfulness? Ouch! That's a tough question. But Matthew 1:23-24 in today's verses 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 straightforward 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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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:22-25 NLT — "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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