Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 4, 2022: SOAP #4415:  Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 4:17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.

OBSERVATION: Although Jesus did not stop being God, He laid aside His deity to live and die as a sinless man.  His sinless death provided forgiveness of sin for those who put their faith in Him.  The Holy Spirit empowered the ministry of this One who called Himself the “Son of Man.” One of the proofs of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus was in His speaking.  He taught, He spoke to sickness and to demons.  His words had authority. 

Verse 22 tells us that people were amazed at “the gracious words that came from His lips!”   His words were proof of the presence of the Holy Spirit.   

APPLICATION:  If “gracious words” can be a sign of the Spirit’s presence in a life, then surely those closest to us should be able to experience God’s presence through how we talk. 

Members of my family hear my words.  My words become windows through which they can see into my inner person.  They see me when things are good and when I am under pressure.  They hear my words of encouragement and of frustration. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, do in me what you did in Jesus.  May your presence be easily seen in me.  May “gracious words” be common in my conversation. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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