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

September 17: Ezekiel 42-44; Revelation 22

Scripture: Ezekiel (NIV) 44:15 But the priests, who are Levites and descendants of Zadok and who faithfully carried out the duties of my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices of fat and blood, declares the Sovereign LORD. … 23 They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and to show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.

Observation: Is it worthwhile to serve God? Is it worthwhile to remain faithful serving God when others serve their own interests? These verses show that God has special honor and assignments for those who prove faithful. Those who remain faithful have special opportunity to minister to the Lord which prepares them for higher ministry to people. The context shows that the Levites who did not remain faithful had ministry at a lower level.

Application: When pressures of life squeeze in on me, my feelings often control my thoughts. It is then I must remember that God is with me and is working through all things for my good and His glory. He uses the pressure to form me into the person He created me to be. Knowing that helps me remain faithful.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, ministering to you gives me strength to minister to others. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!