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

January 14: Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

Scripture: Genesis (NIV) 35:4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem. 5 Then they set out, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.

Observation: Jacob and his wives and children were headed back to Bethel, the place God first appeared to him when he was leaving home, running from his brother. God had promised to be with him, wherever he would go, and God had been faithful. Along the way, Jacob and those with him had collected some idol gods and items that represented those gods. It was now time to put them aside and commit to the One True God. Then God did what only God could do…He did what we would expect Him to do for those totally committed to him…He put terror on all who might be inclined to harm Jacob and his family. He was their shield of safety.

Application: I live in a day when much important information about me is on the computers at the bank, at the doctor’s office, at the office where I once had a mortgage on our home, at the government offices, and other computers all hooked together by the internet. It is obvious to me that there is only one real source of security. The One who protected Jacob is still protecting people. He has protected me many times. And even when His path leads me through times of trouble and suffering, the reward on the other side makes it well worth trusting Him!

Prayer: Lord, you are my security and protector. I can trust you to care for me even as you cared for Jacob. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!