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

January 8: Genesis 20-22; Luke 8

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Observation: Jesus is explaining the parable of the seed and the sower. The seed is the Word of God and the ground is the lives into which the Word is sown. He has just explained about the seed that falls on the path that is immediately taken away. Then He explained about the seed that falls on rocky ground that grows but has not roots to sustain it in hard times. Thirdly He explains about the seed that falls among the thorns which choke the life out of the plant. And in verse 15 He explains about the seed that falls on good soil. Here the seed reaches its designed potential of producing a crop.

Application: The King James Version reads “bring forth fruit with patience.” The NIV reads “by persevering produce a crop.” It takes time for the seed sown to produce a crop. In the natural world it may take two or three seasons to pass before the full crop is reaped. In the spiritual world, it may even take several years, or even several generations. But with patience and perseverance the crop will come.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You sowed your Son, Jesus into this world. You have been reaping a harvest of believers in every generation. One day before your throne will be a gathering of redeemed “from every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation!” (Revelation 5:9) What a great harvest that will be!!! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!