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

January 4: Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 4:42 At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns also, because that is why I was sent.

Observation: Earlier in this chapter I noticed how people were astonished that Jesus spoke with such authority. (vs 36) He quieted demons and commanded them to come out. (vs 35, 41) He rebuked a fever which left immediately. (vs 39) Of course the people in this community would want him to stay with them, but He had to be obedient to the authority that sent him. He did not have authority so that he could do what he wanted or what others wanted. Jesus, living as a man on earth, had authority because he was submitted to the authority of His Father.

Application: Only God has authority because He is worthy. Any authority I have is delegated authority. Obedience increases my authority.

My last duty in the US Navy was on the staff of a Commodore. When we went aboard the ships under his command, we went in his authority. Commanding Officers would often meet us at the quarter deck and invite us into their state rooms to review what we would be doing on their ship. That we were enlisted men did not matter to them; what mattered was who it was that sent us. Commanding Officers would answer to the Commodore according to our words. When we walked under his authority, we walked in his authority.

Prayer: Jesus, may I live in such obedience to you that my words are as true and faithful as your words. May I walk under AND in your authority! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!