May 11, 2021: SOAP #4177:  2Samuel 19, 20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 28:11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’

OBSERVATION: The chief priests and the elders used good money for bad.  Money that had been given to the Lord at the temple.  Money for sacrifices.  Money for offerings.  They took good money and gave it to Judas to betray Jesus and then to the Roman soldiers to spread a self-condemning lie!   (It must have been a large amount of money because it influenced the soldiers to spread a lie that could have sentenced them to death!) 

APPLICATION: Much money today has been stained by sin.  I have heard that much money even has traces of drugs on it.  Who knows where the dollars in my wallet have been and how they have been used? 

The religious leaders of Jesus day used good money from the temple to perpetrate a lie.  May I use bad money from today’s economy to perpetrate the truth! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, the use of my money shows a picture of my heart.  The picture shows I like to eat, as much money goes to food.  The picture shows that I need clothing and my automobile needs gas.  But Oh, God, may the picture show how much I love you!  May you be pleased with the money you have placed in my care.  May I use money to bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!