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

July 24: Isaiah 40-42; 1Peter 3

Scripture: Isaiah (NIV) 42:1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. …
4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

Observation: God’s message to the prophet, Isaiah, in these verses have to do with Jesus the Messiah or “anointed one.” Jesus established the only way to become just by making the required sacrifice for our sins. Jesus did not falter; he did not fail to accomplish his assigned task. Jesus did not let circumstances discourage him. Things like religious leaders who refused to hear the truth, things like money changers in the temple, things like sleeping disciples when they should have been praying, and many other things could have been cause for discouragement. But Jesus refused to become discouraged!

Application: The One who faced so many discouraging circumstance yet did not become discouraged and let it stop him—this very one lives in me! He can help me overcome discouragement. In spite of the circumstances he can help me accomplish what he has given me to do!

Prayer: Lord, as I unite my thoughts with your thoughts you lift my thinking above discouragement. Circumstances may not change, but where I once expected defeat you help me expect victory! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!