February 09, 2020: SOAP #3720:  Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

Scripture:  Leviticus (NIV) 10:8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, 9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.
10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, 11 and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the LORD has given them through Moses.”

Observation:  There was a different standard for the priests than for the other Israelites.  The Israelites could drink strong drink, although they clearly were not to be drunk.  The priests were to be careful not to drink any wine or fermented beverages when they were ministering to the Lord.  (Note:  believers today are a priesthood that is always on duty with the Lord dwelling in our hearts.)

To the priests were given the responsibility (verses 10 & 11) to make judgments between what was acceptable to God and what was not.  They were to serve the nation of Israel by making good judgments and for this they could not have their minds numbed by strong drink.

Application:   Two things are of great importance, both for me and for the sake of those who read these SOAPs.  It is important that I hear from God. I must be sensitive to the voice of God, the Holy Spirit.

Also, of importance is that I be able to teach.  I rely on the Holy Spirit to communicate clearly.  Those receiving the SOAPs must have confidence that God’s words are being explained and applied correctly.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am just a man, beset with limitations.  The ministry you have assigned me is far beyond my limited ability—but it is not beyond Your Ability!!!  Holy Spirit, I rely on you to quicken my thoughts and to communicate through these SOAPs.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!