December 22, 2018 -- Matthew 1:21 -- His Name is Jesus

"And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."

Matthew 1:21 NKJV

It is an explosive text.

First of all the text reveals the reality of sin. If you think you are without sin or faults, take a moment right now. Ask your spouse, or your most honest friend: Can you think of anything I have done that is wrong, or dishonest. You have a "get out of jail free card" to be utterly and totally honest with me for five minutes.

Second, the wages of sin is death. God the Father, Who is eternally perfect and holy, is right and just to punish sinners eternally and fully.

Finally, though He was not obligated to show loving-mercy, God does show His great loving-mercy in Jesus Christ. Those sinners who realize "Yes, I am a sinner" can call out to Jesus. Jesus' name means: "He saves".

In the movies when a man is rescued from sure and certain death, he will often look to his rescuer and say: "I can never repay you! I owe you my life." This is taken straight out of the pages of Scripture. We were dead men walking straight to hell and an eternity of pain and punishment that our every sinful action earned. Jesus brought us from death to life. Jesus: He saved us from hell for an eternity in the fullness of life where we can enjoy God forever! In response we offer our hands and our hearts, our thoughts and our words to Him in an offering of thanks and praise.

Who is like You, O God? The answer is: "No one!" You rescue ruined sinners. You delight to show mercy. Blessed be Your Name. Blessed be Your Name Jesus! Blessed be the Spirit Who takes the Truth of Scripture and by it lights up the sin-darkened corners of our heart so that we know our need for Jesus. Gloria in excelsis deo! Amen.