Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 30, 2022: SOAP #4532:  2Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 17:22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

OBSERVATION: The disciples could not see the resurrection because they were looking through his betrayal and death.  It was difficult to look through the suffering and see the resurrection.  They saw what was the closest to them.  They loved Jesus and were filled with grief that he would have to suffer.

Jesus was not ignoring the betrayal and suffering ahead, but His focus was on the third day.  Sure, there was going to be suffering, but there was also going to be rejoicing.  Sure, there was going to be a struggle, but there was also going to be victory! 

APPLICATION: Learning from the disciples:  How many times have I been discouraged because of the hardship I am experiencing.  I should be rejoicing in His promise.  Faith in God’s promise should be expressed in my attitude, words, actions while I am going through the difficulty.  It does not take faith to rejoice when the battle is over.

Learning from Jesus:  when I am talking about the difficulties ahead, or difficulties I am now experiencing, I need to be sure and talk about the promises of God.  I cannot forget the “third day” part of the discussion.  When I speak of my death, I need to speak of the joy of heaven.  I need to speak to my family of the reunion we will have in heaven. And in my current struggles, I need to look through the trouble and see the victory ahead. 

PRAYER: Jesus, as you passed through death and returned to our Father, so I will pass through death and join you in heaven.  May my conversation about death always include the continuation of my life in your presence.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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