Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 22, 2022: SOAP #4464:  Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 11:1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them, his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down.

OBSERVATION: They could have been talking about how the miracles in Egypt had broken them free from slavery.  They could have been talking about walking through the Red Sea on dry ground!!!  They could have been talking about Pharoah’s army drowned in the Red Sea!  They could have been talking about the pillar of fire that gave them light and heat at night, and the cloud by day that provided shade in the dessert!  They could have been talking about God speaking on Mt. Sinai!  They could have been talking about the water that came from the rock!  They could have been talking about the provision of manna for their daily food!   There were many things they could have talked about—things that would have shown appreciation for the One who had answered their prayers and delivered them from the hand of Pharoah.  But they complained about how difficult it was to move their household in the wilderness. 

Instead of using words to appreciate the Lord, they let their words anger Him!!!  What a mistake!   How foolish to anger the One they were depending on!

APPLICATION:  Surely, I have as much as the Israelites for which to be thankful, even more!  They were depending on God to get them to the Promised Land.  I am depending on God to get me to heaven!!!   They had the visible presence of God in the cloud and pillar of fire.  But I have the presence of God alive inside me!!!  They had Moses to tell them what God said.  But I have the Bible I can read for myself each day!!!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, since you created my ears, I should not be surprised that you can hear every word I speak.  That is why I pray, because I know you hear me.  I want my words to please you and bring you joy.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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