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

August 6: Habakkuk 1-3; John 8

Scripture: Habakkuk (NIV) 3:2 LORD, I know how famous you are. I have great respect for you because of your mighty acts. Do them again for us. Make them known in our time. When you are angry, please show us your tender love.

Observation: This book starts with the prophet, Habakkuk, asking why God allowed all the sin he saw around him. God tells the prophet that he will punish His people by sending the Babylonians to attack them. Then the prophet has an even greater concern: why would God use the less godly to attack those who were more godly? God had a future plan for the nation of Israel. The Babylonians would be God’s instrument to punish and correct Israel which would serve to preserve Israel. God was going to send the Messiah through Israel. But the judgment coming to the Babylonian empire would not correct that nation but destroy it.

Application: The United States of America was planted and preserved by God to have a major part in spreading the gospel throughout the world. In many ways we have been a police force in the world. But our usefulness to God as a nation is winding down. We are pulling back from places we should be standing for righteousness. That should come as no surprise for we do not even stand for righteousness within our own borders. An unarmed army is invading us from the south. Although I do not see a future for our nation, I do see a future for the church! When Jesus descends to rapture His church, may there a mighty army which ascends from our borders to meet Him in the air! May there be hundreds of thousands who have recently crossed our southern border joining with us to meet our Lord!

Prayer: Lord, as judgment comes to the USA, please show us your tender love! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!