Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 15, 2022: SOAP #4426:  Genesis 37-38; Psalm 7; Luke 15

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 15:1 Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering round to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.”

OBSERVATION: When something clean and pure contacts something dirty and contaminated, it is expected that the dirty will contaminate the clean.  But in this verse, we see the pure sinless Jesus purposefully intermingling with sinners.   Jesus even reached out and touched the lepers.  He did not get leprosy, but they were made clean!  (Luke 5 & 17)   Jesus did not become contaminated, but sinners left forgiven, and lepers left clean!

APPLICATION:  When I confessed my sins to Jesus and invited him into my life, He did not become contaminated, but I became forgiven and justified — just as if I had never sinned!   Amazing!

1John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

In the verse above, John was writing to believers.  Obviously, God wants His children to be free from sin.  How foolish to hide sin and to pretend I have never sinned.  How wise to confess my sins and let Jesus do what only Jesus can do—forgive and cleanse!

PRAYER:  Lord, I am so glad you are willing to intermingle with sinners.  Although you hate sin, you are not afraid of it.  Your righteousness is greater than sin!   When I confess my sins, you both forgive me and cleanse me!  Your death pays for my sins; your love forgives me; and your life lifts me to live as your child!   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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