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

August 6: Habakkuk 1-3; John 8

Scripture: Habakkuk (NIV) 3:17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Observation: The prophet had asked the Lord what He was going to do about all the wicked people in Israel. God tells him that he is bringing the Chaldeans to punish Israel. Then the prophet is really confused; why would God uses the wicked Chaldeans to punish people who are more righteous than they are? God tells him what is in store for the Chaldeans. They will be destroyed, but Israel will be corrected so that Israel can fulfill its future! Today we read about the Chaldeans in the history books, but we can read about Israel in the daily newspaper. Israel still has a future. At the end of the book, Habakkuk knows that trouble is coming but he commits himself to be joyful and rejoice in God. He knew that Israel would outlast the trouble.

Application: I know that judgment is coming to the United States. God has used the USA but I do not see any promise of a future for this nation. BUT I am a part of the church and I do see a future promised for the church! So like Habakkuk, if our economy falls apart and the stock market crashes, if the grocery stores close and food is rationed, if gasoline is too expensive to purchase and we have to walk, “yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in God my Savior.” I know that the church has a glorious future!

Prayer: Sovereign LORD, you are my strength and I will rejoice in you! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!