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

August 15: Jeremiah 18-20; Psalm 93; John 17

Scripture: John (NIV) 17 [Jesus talking to his Father about the disciples] verse 25 Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

Observation: Jesus is loved by God the Father for two obvious reasons. First is because of who Jesus is. Jesus is God’s Only Begotten Son and is God just as the Father is God. Second is because of what Jesus did. Jesus willingly became the sacrifice in the greatest gift of love ever known in the universe. Jesus, unquestionably innocent, suffered and died for those who are unquestionable guilty! His payment completely clears our debt and brings us back into fellowship with the Heavenly Father who loves us so! It is no wonder the Father loves Jesus!!!

Since Jesus was going to live, by His Spirit, in His disciples, it follows that the Father’s love would now focus on the disciples as much as on His Son!

Application: My greatest earthly joy is to be loved by my wife, Sharon. But even greater than that, is to be loved by God. It is difficult to fathom that God the Father loves me even as He loves His perfect and wonderful Son!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am blest! I am blest that you loved me so much that you sent your Son to die for my sins. I am blest that He now lives within me by His Holy Spirit. I am blest that the love you have for your Son is now directed to me! I am loved measure! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!