Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 13, 2022: SOAP #4423:  Genesis 31-33; Luke 13

SCRIPTURE:  Genesis (NIV) 32:9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”

OBSERVATION: Jacob had left home in fear of his brother’s threats to kill him.  Now he is returning home and will soon meet his brother Esau who is coming to meet him with 400 men.  In fear, Jacob did a very logical thing—he prayed! 

First, Jacob began his prayer by reminding God of His command for Jacob to go back home and of His promise to prosper Jacob.  Then Jacob spoke with humility of how far God had brought him.  Third, Jacob mentions his fears about Esau.  Last, Jacob ends his prayer by reminding God of His promises! 

APPLICATION:  To face trouble without remembering what God has promised is foolish.  If God has given promises about my future, then I can trust God to take care of my present!   If God has promised to prepare a place for me, then I can trust him to take care of the journey to get me to that place!

PRAYER: Oh, Lord!  How important it is for me to know your word and your promises to me.  Making them a good part of my prayer life is one way of letting you know that I cherish your words; I have not forgotten what you have said to me. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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