April 26, 2020: SOAP #3797:  2Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Observation:  Jesus ministered at non-traditional places (by the lake), to those choosing to stop their plans and listen (the crowds), using what was available (a boat), telling stories that were very real to life (a farmer and his seed) and applicable to spiritual life (seed is the message of the kingdom and field is the hearts of people -vs. 18-23).

Application:   Today, the people known as the church have been forced out of their buildings known as churches to gather around computer/TV screens to join in worship and hear the sermons their pastors have prayerfully prepared.

The persecution mentioned in the book of Acts (8:1-4) forced the believers out of Jerusalem and as they scattered, infected with the gospel and the Spirit of God, they “went everywhere preaching the word.”

From Reuters news 4/25/2020  “The first death linked to the disease was reported on Jan. 10 in Wuhan, China.  It took 91 days for the death toll to pass 100,000 and a further 16 days to reach 200,000, according to the Reuters tally of official reports from governments.”

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, surely you are more powerful than COVID-19 which has encircled the earth in less than 6 months.  May these be the days of a world-wide revival.  Anoint the church.  May the revival encircle the earth,  reaching every home.  May I be so “infected” with the gospel that everyone I meet catches what I have! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!