S.O.A.P.

February 9: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

On duty

Scripture: Leviticus (NIV) 10:8 Then the LORD said to Aaron,
9 "You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.
10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean,
11 and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the LORD has given them through Moses."

Observation: Two things were of vital importance. FIRST: Both for their sake, and for the sake of the nation, it was important that the priests hear from God. They must be sensitive to the voice of God the Holy Spirit. They were to serve the nation of Israel by making good judgments and for this they could not have their minds numbed by strong drink.

SECOND: It was important that they be able to teach. They must be able to communicate clearly. Those receiving the teaching must be able to have confidence that God’s words were being explained and applied correctly.

Application: In Viet Nam I took a turn each night with the radio, taking reports from our listening posts. In Hawaii I had duty every third or fourth evening and weekend in the dispensary at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station. In the Old Testament, the priest served in the temple on a rotation as “duty priest.” However since the New Testament days, we do not taking turns serving in a temple made of wood and stones. My body is a living temple of the Holy Spirit and I am on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For me to be useful to God and to others, I must keep myself sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, I am always on duty serving you. Holy Spirit, may nothing keep me from hearing what you speak to me. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!