Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 05, 2022: SOAP #4447:  Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

OBSERVATION: Herod’s intentions did not stand up to God’s actions.  If Peter was worried about Herod’s intentions, he probably would not have been sleeping so soundly.  The angel had to strike Peter on the side to awaken him.  Surely Peter knew that they were not empty intentions.  Verse 2 tells us that Herod had arrested James, the brother of John, and put him to death. 

Peter had confidence that Herod’s intentions could not override God’s plan.  God’s plan for Peter included giving an anointed argument before the early church leaders that gentiles should be welcomed into the church. (Acts 15:7-11)

Peter’s location and safety was God’s problem.  Peter needed his sleep. 

APPLICATION:  If I focus on what the world intends to do to me, I might have trouble sleeping.  If I consider my life as belonging to God, I can rest.  When I am doing His will, I can trust Him to provide and protect. 

There were times when I sinned and/or acted foolishly.  I reaped what I sowed.  God’s grace was sufficient to see me through.  But when I knew I was where God wanted me to be, and doing what God wanted me to do, I did not need to worry about a thing.  The world’s intentions could not reach me.  I could sleep like Peter.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, My life is yours. May you be glorified in me and through me.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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