November 25, 2015:  SOAP #2183:  

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 20:17 Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death   19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

Observation:  Jesus knew what was coming.  He knew the agony that was coming His way.  Here he was preparing the disciples.  His description did not stop in the time of suffering.  He did not end with “mocked and flogged and crucified.”  His description went all the way through the suffering to the time of victory!  “On the third day he will be raised to life!”

Application:  As I prepare my family for what lies ahead for our nation, or for sickness that I may encounter, I need to be careful not to stop in the time of trouble.  I need to carry the description through to victory.  My story does not end with trouble, but with victory!  It does not end with lack, but with His provision!  It does not end with a body destroyed by cancer, but with a new life in glory!  It does not end in the grave, but in heaven!   In this world I may have tribulation, but I am cheerful because the Overcomer is with me!  (John 16:33)

Prayer:   Lord, help me to tell the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.  Help me not leave my family discouraged or in despair but tell my story through to victory!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!