Scripture Union Daily Guide 24 December 2020 Message
TOPIC: He Will Save His People From Their Sins
Open Prayer: Lord, I pray that you lead me into your truth as I meditate on your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25w 1:18
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
How could Joseph be confident that he wasn’t responsible for Mary’s pregnancy? The pledge to marry (v.18) was only a step to formal marriage and could only be stopped by divorce. They were “almost married” and were already being called husband and wife. Even then, they would not lower their moral standards. Note how Joseph is described in v.19. Although, disappointed because of Mary’s state, Joseph’s righteousness (and love) was so strong “he did not want to expose her [Mary] to public disgrace?” Even when an angel spoke to him and he obeyed, Joseph had no union with Mary till Jesus was born! We pray for more young people to be models of purity and self–control today.
How can we practically assist youths to develop and stand by godly values? Painfully, many broken courtships today result in both parties accusing and destroying one another. Jesus’ birth was prophesied long ago (v.23, c.f. Isaiah 7:14). God put him in a family to grow and enjoy human care, though conceived “through the Holy Spirit” (vv.18, 20), “from heaven” or “above” (John 3:13, 31). Through him, we too can enjoy heavenly citizenship. Accept him today so that he will save you from your sins.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Meditate on: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the whole world”.
Angels from the realms of glory
1. Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Refrain
Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn king.
2. Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.
Prayer Points
• Thank you Lord Jesus, that through you, we have access to God the Father, and our sins can be washed away.
• Pray for Human Rights organizations to take interest in the persecution of Christians.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Acts 26:18
Read the Bible in one Year
Micah 4–5; Luke 22: 1–20
Scripture Union Daily Guide 24 December 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world.