August 09, 2020: SOAP #3902:  Jeremiah 3-4; John 11

Scripture:  John (NIV) 11:45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. …
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”…
53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

Observation:   We have all experienced times in our lives when circumstances seemed to be leaning in a certain direction, but it was not yet sure which way they would go.  And then.  And then something happened that clearly set the course ahead.  The destination was set and there could be no changing. 

The resurrection of Lazarus was one of those events.  The Jewish religious leaders had struggled with how to accept Jesus.  More and more people were following Jesus.  Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days—but now Lazarus was alive and walking around!  Many were believing on Jesus.  “FROM THAT DAY ON they plotted to take his life.”

Application:   Meeting Jesus is a life changing moment.  We can never go back.  Light has broken into the darkness of our heart.  Surrendering to Jesus and making Him to be Lord of our life is another life changing moment!  “From that day on” things are different!

I must keep in tune with the Holy Spirit.  He will make me aware of those times in my life, and in the lives of those around me.  I must make the most of every opportunity to say “yes” to Jesus.  I must make the most of every opportunity to witness to those around me.  Today may be the last day we have.    

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, keep me aware of the urgency of today.  Help me not to put off till tomorrow what I should do today.  “From this day on” I will serve you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!