Today's Verse: Matthew 1:20-21

Monday, December 17, 1962

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, and us, from those sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 4:10). Jesus own people rejected him before his forgiveness could be received. His gift of forgiveness and salvation for us was incredibly costly to him. This sacrificial love reminds us of two great truths: God loves us deeply, and our salvation is a precious gift from him to us. 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 the rejection of your people so I could be saved and accepted by the Father. My salvation makes any other important name pale in comparison to Jesus, in whom I offer all thanks and praise. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

25 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 Monday, December 17, 1962

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[In responding to the accusations made against him, Paul denied they were true, and then went on to say:] "But I admit that I follow the Way, which....."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"We do not excuse Laban for his dishonesty, but we scruple not to learn from the custom which he quoted as his excuse. There are some things which must..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"There are no accidents in the life of the Christian."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, May I fill my time with prayer and entreaties to you. Help me to keep alert for prayer. And to keep on, and keep on, and keep on. I..."

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.