Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 6, 2022: SOAP #4537:  2Samuel 11, 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

OBSERVATION:  God had set His heart on Jerusalem long before the time of Jesus.  They would be the physical line through which God would send His Son.  God longed for the nation of Israel to be His special children.  He would love them, care and provide for them.  He would deliver them from trouble.  When they sinned and turned away from Him to serve idols, He would forgive them and draw them back to Himself.  God longed for a close relationship in which they were held close to His heart. 

APPLICATION: That is what God longs for today with me.  He wants to hold me close like a mother hen gathers and protects her little chicks.  My tendency can be to run off and do something, to accomplish something, to solve a problem.  Like Martha, my self-image is wrapped up in what I can DO for the Lord.   But Jesus said Mary had chosen what was better.  (Luke 10)

Today I need to take some time just to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His heart as He speaks to me.  There will be things for me to do but sitting and listening takes priority.  One way to love Jesus is to let Him love me. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, slow me down.  Show me where I can just sit and listen.  Do not let me run off to do something until my eyes are filled with Jesus and  my heart is filled with you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon