November 27, 2021: SOAP #4377:  Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 26:2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
26:12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.   26:21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”  26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’  26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

OBSERVATION: The verses above tell us what happened BEFORE Jesus’ arrest.  Jesus was aware of what was going to happen to Him!  He was not unaware of the suffering He was about to endure.  Neither was He unaware of the resurrection that would follow!  

APPLICATION:   In every valley I pass through in this life, God knows what is on the other side—even before I enter the valley!  As tough, or as long, as the struggle is, God knows that it is worthwhile. 

With the Victor of all struggles living inside me, I have confidence in His victory being enforced in my life.  But if my struggle leads me through death’s door, I should consider the following verses:   
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
1Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow-elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, just as you are “faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness,” you are also faithful and just to reward me for the suffering I have endured in walking with you through this earthly life.  It will be worth it all when we see you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 26, 2021: SOAP #4376:  Matthew 23-25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

OBSERVATION: Jesus was speaking of His second coming to earth.  He gave two simple and specific directives: “Keep watch” and “be ready.”

“Keep watch” means to stay alert.  Be aware of what is happening around you.  Do not be surprised when evil raises its head.  Take action that sharpens your watching skills.  Do not be so focused on yourself that that the return of Jesus will overtake you by surprise. 

“Be ready” refers to any necessary action to needed to prepare for what is coming.  Jesus did not say, “Start getting ready,” He said, “BE ready!”  Live ready.  When it comes to the return of Jesus, do not procrastinate!  Do not put off till tomorrow what should be done today! 

APPLICATION:  Even if He does not come today for all His followers, He may come today for me!   I must “keep watch” and “be ready.”  I need to be alert and have confidence that my sins are forgiven and that He is the Lord of my life.   I want Him to find me obedient and doing what He has directed.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to be ready. I have accepted your death on the cross as the payment for my sins.  The Holy Spirit now dwells in my life to help me understand the Bible and to guide my daily life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!