Today’s reading: Malachi 1:1- Matthew 1:25
My selection: Matthew 1:20-21
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
My reflections: There is no passage in the Bible that thrills me more than this one. The message was authoritative: from an angel of the Lord. The message was supernatural: a virgin was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. The message was anticipated: the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. The message was gracious: He would save His people from their sins.
Joseph needed this reassurance. He would not have put Mary to the shame normally reserved for those who break their marriage vows. But neither would he forgive, accept, and support her. He would divorce her, quietly. And Joseph not only obeyed, he obeyed immediately.
My challenge: This was arguably the best news ever spoken to anyone. Jesus would be born and He would save His people from their sins. If you are a believer in Him, you trust Him for forgiveness of your sins. Rejoice in Him. Praise God for His mercy to His people, including you.
Tomorrow’s reading: Matthew 2:1-5:20
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