Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

April 14: 1Samuel 15-16; 1Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

Scripture: Matthew 15
Elihud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph,
(Jospeh) the husband of Mary, and
Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. (NIV)

Observation: Joseph was not called the “father of Jesus” as is the pattern in the previous fourteen verses. He is called the “husband” of Mary. Mary was a virgin when the Holy Spirit impregnated her. When Joseph discovered she was pregnant, he was going to break off their marriage engagement, but an angel from the Lord appeared to him and told him Mary had not been unfaithful to him, but God had chosen her to bring the Messiah into the world. Very little is known about this man who accepted Mary and supported her unique part in God’s plan.

Application: As a husband I need to allow God to work in Sharon in a way that is unique to her. God is free to use her outside our immediate family. I need to support and encourage her. I need to realize that her ministry is very significant. It is valuable to God, to me, and to those who benefit from her special talents.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for my beautiful wife. She is so special to me, and to so many others. Help me to be more supportive of her special ministries. May our marriage be good ground for good growth. May she become all you meant her to be. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!