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

August 9: Jeremiah 3-4; John 11

Scripture: John (NIV) 11:14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,
15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Observation: Jesus had been told Lazarus was sick. (verse 3). Jesus could have healed him, but Jesus purposefully waited two additional days before going to Lazarus. During that time, Lazarus died! After Jesus knew that he was dead, he starts out to see Lazarus. He tells the disciples, “I am glad…” When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary both said, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.” (verse 21, 32) Jesus had missed their deadline by four days. (verse 39). But Jesus was “glad.” This story ends much better than they expected! It does not end with a healing, but a resurrection! (verses 43-44)

Application: There are times when my circumstances go beyond my deadline for Jesus to help. From my view point, I must have help by a certain hour on a certain day. If the answer does not come, I must trust Jesus that my deadline may not be His deadline. His answer may be different than what I expect. When it is all over, I can trust that it will always be better than what I expected!

Prayer: Lord, I trust you to know how to handle my problems. I trust your timing. I know you are working for my good and your glory. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!