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

August 18: Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

Scripture: Jeremiah (NIV) 26:3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn form their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.
36:3 Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.

Observation: Here we see the same inner conflict within the heart of God that can be often seen within the heart of a parent. The parent knows that the child they love so dearly needs punishment, but does not want to proceed, so they threaten punishment and give their child another opportunity to obey. Punishing their children is the last thing they want to do. They would so much rather forgive than punish.

Application: God is perfectly holy so punishment is not a question when his children persist in sin. God is perfectly loving so he loves to reward me when I obey. God is so wonderfully wise that he found a way to forgive me in a holy way that acknowledges the sinfulness of my sin: He sent His holy Son, Jesus to die in payment for my sins that he may express His love to me in forgiveness!!! It is truly AMAZING!!!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me. I am sorry for the pain I have caused you by ignoring your holiness. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!