December 12, 2020: SOAP #4027 (from 2010): Hebrews 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

OBSERVATION:   I had to read it again.  Did it really say what I thought?  Did it really say that Jesus was made perfect?  Wasn’t He already perfect?  The answer is Yes and No. 

“Yes,” Jesus was the perfect, sin-free Son of God.  He was God in the flesh!  He was the perfect God-man. 

And “No,” he was not the perfect sacrifice until he had been tempted and tested.  To be the perfect sacrifice for sin, He had to be tested.  His was a proven sacrifice.  His was a sacrifice of demonstrated worthiness.  

APPLICATION:   Being tempted and tested is important in my life too.  God already knows my heart, but Satan does not and neither do the people around me.  They get to know me when they see me under pressure.   When people witness my life under pressure, and they see Jesus shining through, I become a credible witness because it is under pressure the inside of my life becomes visible to those on the outside. 

PRAYER:   Lord, here I am in the hospital.  Shine through me.  Use me to encourage those who come into my room.  May they leave with a thought about you in their heart and a smile on their face.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  The doctors talked me into letting them place a tube into my lung cavity for several days.  Today was tough day for me, but very productive.  Day before yesterday they drained 1.5 liters of fluid from my chest.  Today the tube drained continuously for 4 liters before having a break in the flow!  (Note: I do not recommend this as a weight loss plan!  Ha!)  I will be in the hospital for ? days, but I have great company.  Can you believe it?  II am with the King of kings!!!  

December 11, 2020: SOAP #4026:  Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

OBSERVATION:  When one realizes the terribleness of sin and how much it displeases God, they come to the obvious conclusion.  They cannot save themselves!   They cannot go back and undo their sins.  They cannot rid themselves of their past.  Somewhere they need to find mercy. 

Where does one go to find mercy?  Where does one go to find mercy strong enough to remove sin and its stains?  Where does one go to find a mercy that can make me just-as-if-I’d never sinned?  There is a place, but there is only one place:  the throne of grace!   It is there the intense love of God for man freely provides such a forgiveness! 

APPLICATION:  At the throne of grace we find a God who is both merciful and just.  He is much too just to ignore our sins. He is much too loving to leave us without a way of salvation.  By faith we receive the death of Jesus as the payment for our sins!  He is much too wise to leave us alone in a world of temptation, so He provides grace to help us.  He provides His presence to accompany and empower to overcome the temptations of the world.  

PRAYER:  Great Creator, you made us; you knew what we needed!  You provided perfectly to meet our need.  May we not be so foolish to ignore what you have so freely provided.  May we never live a day without appreciating your justice, your love, and your wisdom.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  I remain in the hospital for a few more days.  My blood and the 1.5 liters of fluid removed show no infection.  All antibiotics are stopped until a further check in two days.  Meanwhile they are working removing excess fluids from my body.  I still do not recognize any COVID symptoms.  I continue to feel great.  It is like I am on a spiritual retreat.  I trust God is enjoying my ukulele.  Thanks to all for your prayers.  Sharon is doing great, working on projects at home.  We are thankful for video phones!