February 27, 2016:  SOAP #2277:   

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 6:1 Jesus left there and went to his home town, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “Only in his home town, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”

Observation:  The hometown people had watched Jesus grow.  They knew his family.  They knew his brothers by name.  They knew his sisters.  They remembered how he worked in the carpentry shop (probably Joseph’s.)  He was just as common as the rest of them and they were offended that he had such wisdom and even could do miracles.

Application:  God wraps such wonderful gifts in such common wrappings.  I must be careful not to miss God’s gift to me because it comes in such common wrapping.  A word of great wisdom can come from a child.  I can easily miss a special blessing God has for me.  I can easily miss the opportunity to encourage someone to step out in ministry.
Prayer:   Lord, open my eyes to what you have placed around me.  Give me eyes to see potential.  Give me words to encourage.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!