Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 2, 2022: SOAP #4472:  Numbers 30-31; Mark 9

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)  7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked round, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus had taken his disciples to a mountain to pray.  While they were there, they had some very unique visitors, Elijah and Moses.  The disciples were amazed.  It was good to be there on the mountain with Jesus.  They wanted to stay there; they were willing to build a shelter for Jesus and the visitors. 

But soon the visitors were gone.  Only Jesus remained with the disciples to return to the foot of the mountain.  (Just a thought: what would have happened if Jesus had left with Moses or Elijah and left one of them behind?)

APPLICATION: I think of times in my life when special people gathered around.  I remember my parents driving out to San Diego when Sharon and I were married.  They had to return, back to Kansas, but Jesus remained with us!   I remember my mother’s funeral; I remember my father’s funeral.  I remember my brother and his family flying from Hawaii.  They lingered for several days then had to return home, but Jesus remained with us! 

I remember times of being encouraged and uplifted by the visit of dear friends; then they left, but Jesus remained!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I count on you; I depend on you.  You have never, nor will You ever leave me nor forsake me.  You are with me in this moment.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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