Scripture:
Matthew 1:18-25
Sat, 25 December 2021

The Redemptive Presence of God

Observation:

What is the significance of the parallelism of verse 21 and verse 23?

Deeper Reflection
WHEN THE ANGEL of the Lord revealed to Mary that God had chosen her to bear the Messiah through the Holy Spirit (vv.18-20), particular emphasis was given to the name of the Messiah-to-be-born (vv.21-23). Note the two parallel expressions in the text: “and you shall call His name Jesus” (v.21) and “and they shall call His name Immanuel” (v.23). Matthew is underscoring an important theological significance in the parallelism. The name “Jesus” was originally given in Hebrew: Yeshua, which means “Yahweh is salvation”. And Matthew gives the reason for the name “Jesus”: “for He will save His people from their sins” (v.21). “Immanuel” means “God with us”. In fact, the presence of God in Jesus Christ is a key theme in Matthew: “His name Immanuel…God with us” (Matt 1:23); “I am there in their midst” (Matt 18:20); “lo, I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). When the parallel “Jesus” and “Immanuel” are combined together, the theological significance surfaces: Jesus- Immanuel is God-with-us who saves us from our sins. Jesus saves us from our sins that we may have access to the presence of God: “we have confidence to enter the Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Heb 10:19). Jesus-Immanuel is God’s redemptive presence with us. Thus, even when we sin, the way into God’s presence remains open to us in Christ through His blood (cf. Eph 1:7). The holy presence of God is also a redemptive presence.
Application:

How do I live in the presence of God that is holy and redemptive?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • For Church Board: To know what it means to walk in the holy-redemptive presence of God
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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