Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 28, 2022: SOAP #4529:  2Samuel 3; 1Chronicles 12; Matthew 15

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children.

OBSERVATION: What a wonderful story of Jesus feeding 4,000 plus women and children!  In reading it this time, the Lord seemed to draw my attention to the fact that this miracle started with a lack—a need.  It was a need that was impossible for man to meet but not impossible for God.  Jesus used their lack to demonstrate His provision. 

APPLICATION: There are so many lessons we can learn from this.   God is a miraculous provider!   Nothing is impossible with God.  The people sat down in preparation for a meal before the bread was multiplied.  Their need was an opportunity for Jesus to perform a miracle. 

Remember, the greater the need, the greater the miracle! 

Sometimes when we have a need, we go to people to ask for money.  We need to go to God.  (Philippians 4:6)   He will often use those people to help, but they will be responding to the Spirit’s leading rather than our convincing them to give.  Then God gets the glory because I trusted Him AND because they heard His voice and responded by giving. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, remind me that my lack is the opportunity for God to work a miracle. Use this SOAP to build faith in the reader’s hearts.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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