September 27, 2016: SOAP #2490:  Zechariah 1-3; Luke 11

Scripture:  Zechariah (NIV) 2:7 “Come, O Zion! Escape, you who live in the Daughter of Babylon!” 8 For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye— 9 I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me.

Observation:   In the above passage Israel is referred to as the “apple of His [God’s] eye.”   From Israel’s viewpoint, God has chosen Israel to have a special place in His eternal plan.  God will protect Israel and will repay those who misuse Israel.  But from God’s point of view, the apple is pleasant to look at.  A ripe apple promises a tasty delight to the one who eats it.  God is looking forward to enjoying a restored relationship with Israel.  It will be to God an enjoyable and refreshing relationship.

Application:   I want to live my life as the apple of God’s eye.  As my mouth waters in anticipation of enjoying a ripe red apple, so may God anticipate with joy His interactions with me.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, as I delight in you, so may you delight in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!