SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

Scripture: John 13:20 NIV I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."

Observation: During my last year in the US Navy I served on a Commodore’s staff. He took it personally how we were received when sent to one of his ships to inspect the medical department. Several times I remember Commanding Officers serving us coffee, not because they saw us as the enlisted men we were, but because they saw us as the Commodore who had sent us. Once when refused permission to board the ship, we politely left and reported back to the Commodore. Soon we had a call from the ship’s Commanding Officer to see if we would be available to help. What a change.

Here Jesus was speaking to his disciples. Since the disciples were sent by Jesus he would consider whatever response they encountered as coming to him. And as Jesus was sent by the Father, the Father would consider whatever response Jesus encountered as personal.

Application: Knowing that I am sent from God sets three foundational principles for my life. First: My main concern is to do His will. That is the reason I am here. Second: When I do His will, I should not take the reaction of others as personal. They are responding to what He gave me to do so I leave that up to Him. Third: I can trust him to provide everything needed to carry out His assignment.

Prayer: Lord, may the joy of being useful overcome any hurt of being used. Amen.

August 11: Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!