December 24, 2015:  SOAP #2211:  

Scripture:  John (NIV) 19:16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.

Observation:   Yes, the soldiers took charge of Jesus, but in reality, it was Jesus who was in charge.  His death was the reason He had come to earth.  This was the moment.  He had always been in command of His environment and this time was no different.  He had previously made it clear to his disciples what was going to happen to him.  No one was taking His life—He was giving His life!  When I was in the Navy, it would seem that the Navy was in control of my life.  But really it was the Lord that directed my life.  Once I was given assignments for which I was not qualified, but someone had mistakenly penciled a code number in my record back in Washington D.C.  I was given orders based on that entry.  That assignment made it possible for me to become the pastor of Bayview Chapel.  Obviously God was in charge!

Application:   Jesus was “in charge” at the time of His death.  I belong to Him so I can rest assured that He will be “in charge” at the time of my death.  It is not how I leave this world that matters the most, but how I enter the world to come.  I must be ready.

Prayer:   Lord, You were in charge of your life and death and resurrection.  I can trust you to be in charge of my life and death and entrance into heaven!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!