WEDNESDAY December 5, 2018
His Name is Jesus
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.
Luke 1:29-31
Mary was troubled––unsettled in her thoughts––but the angel reassured the trembling woman. Mary had found favor with God. Then the angel told her the most amazing message: Mary would conceive in her womb, a Son; she would name him––JESUS. This miracle would be a fulfillment of Scripture found in Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel––God with us.
Imagine, Mary, a young teenager, had been chosen to carry Jesus in her womb. The Jewish people knew the Scriptures and understood by them, the Messiah would be born. In Luke 1:54-55, apart of the Song of Mary, this young virgin knew of God’s prophecy: “He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”
Mary’s child was to be called JESUS. In Hebrew this name was, Yehoshua, shortened to Joshua, which means “Yahweh is salvation.” What was the purpose of His birth? The name JESUS relates to us His mission––for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Jesus is not only the Savior for the Jewish nation, but for the salvation of the whole world! This Christmas, are you mindful of His great mercy and love? Then sing praises to Him!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare Him room…
~Isaac Watts~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!