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

February 18: Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

Scripture: Numbers (NIV) 3:23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle. 24 The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliaspaph son of Lael. 25 At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting…

Observation: When the 600,000+ Israelites came out of Egypt, they were a mass of people. One of the main things needed was organization. God gave Moses the instructions to organize them around the tabernacle. Each tribe was assigned where to camp and the families of Aaron’s sons were given specific assignments to care for the parts of the tabernacle as they journeyed through the wilderness.

Application: The church in the world today is somewhat like the Israelites in the wilderness. God has organized us into congregations and given us assignments. I need to be faithful in my assigned part. -For a person to live like they do not need the local church is like an Israelite crossing the wilderness on their own. Their daily supply of bread, water, and fellowship was available to the Israelites as they moved together. –Those making the radio or television their church may enjoy the preaching and the music in the comfortable setting of their home. The media ministry expects its “members” to send in their tithes but the “member” probably should not expect a pastoral visit to their homes in times of celebration or to the hospital if ill—no handshakes or hugs or help with a financial struggle. The true expression of the New Testament church is local.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the church. What a wonderful plan you have for your people to work and fellowship together while we are in this world. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!