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

September 20: Daniel 5-6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

Scripture: Daniel (NIV) 5:17 The Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

Observation: King Belshazzar had just promised to give him great wealth and to make him the third highest ruler in the kingdom if Daniel would translate the message that had been written on the wall. Daniel did not want the kings promised riches or position. He would interpret the message: the days of the king were coming to an end; the Babylonian kingdom would be given to the Medes and the Persians. That very night the Babylonian King Belshazzar was killed …”and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom…” (Daniel 5:30) What good could the king’s promises do Daniel with the king being dead?

Application: Who is doing the promising? Upon whose promises am I basing my life? The world can make big promises, but often does not have the power or the will to keep them. If I am going to base my life on someone’s promises, I need to make sure that the one doing the promising has the character to follow through, and the power to make it happen. I need to make sure that they will not be voted out of office at the next election.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you alone have the will and the power to keep and complete your promises. You are faithful to your word and I can trust your promises! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!