The Promise of Jesus (the Savior): Matthew 1:1-25

Our first reading in this plan to pray through God's promises is MATTHEW 1:1-25.

As I read through this passage of scripture, I was looking for a specific promise that could be applied to my life in faith.  This scripture passage seems to be the epitome of good promises from God.  In this passage, God promises through the virgin conception of Mary (by the Holy Spirit) that He will bring forth a Son who will save the world from their sins.

Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.[d] And he called His name Jesus.

In the Old Testament, God had promised the people of Israel that a Savior would come and save them from their sins.  He would be their Deliverer and Savior, a King who would rule over them. When the angel came to speak to Joseph, He was confirming that this Savior had indeed been conceived and was in the womb of Mary the virgin (his wife-to-be).

It is especially interesting to me that the angel said, "she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will SAVE people from their sins."  (NOTE: it does not say, He will condemn people for their sins...He will judge rightly, but His heart was toward saving people, not sending them to condemnation).

John 3:17 (NKJV)

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

This promise in the Bible is especially wonderful!  The birth of Jesus fulfilled a PROMISE spoken through a former prophet.  The prophet (in the Old Testament) had spoken about the coming of this Savior.  His name was to be called Jesus, according to the angel that visited Joseph.  Jesus means "Jehovah is salvation."  The name Jesus was translated from the Hebrew name Joshua, which meant "Jehovah is salvation."  To be more specific, this name is rooted in the word "lesous" (Hebrew) which means "whose help is Jehovah."

PROMISE PRAYERS:

Father, today I realize that You sent your Son Jesus to be my own personal Savior.  By receiving Him through faith, I am able to take hold of the promise that was made in this chapter of the Bible.  I believe today that Jehovah is my salvation, my present help, and the One who saves me from the destruction that comes through sinful living.  Today, Lord, I ask you to help me remember that Jesus came not to condemn me but to save me.  Help me Lord to feel your love today and to know more deeply the effects of your salvation in my life.  Help me understand Lord that all your promises are true and trustworthy, and even JESUS, your own Son is to be trusted and He is faithful.  Just as You fulfilled your word through the prophet in the Old Testament about the birth of Jesus, I know You will fulfill your promise of eternal salvation through Jesus in my life. Help me not to worry or have fear in this life.  I thank you Father God for sending Your only Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world, to save ME from my sins.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Your sister in Christ,

Sarah