Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 17, 2022: SOAP #4579: 1Kings 20,21; 2Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

SCRIPTURE: 2Chronicles (NIV) 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he [Jehoshaphat] sent to his princes, … to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them he sent Levites, … and with them priests. 9 And they taught in Judah and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
10 And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

OBSERVATION:  Here we see the ministry of the Levites, some of which were driven out of Israel by King Jeroboam.  [He had made a separate place and worship in Samaria to keep those in Israel from going to Judah to worship in the temple.]   Now the Levites were building up the ministry in Judah.  In verse 9 we are told that they traveled throughout Judah and taught the people the Word of God.  Then in verse 10 we are told that the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah. As the people grew in their knowledge of God’s word, they grew in stature and esteem in the eyes of those around them.  How important is the knowledge of the Word!

The Word of God was spread by traveling ministries who carried the available scriptures with them.  There were no books/Bibles to be kept in homes.  But what the people gained from the Word of God being read and explained had a great effect on the people, and on the nation! 

APPLICATION: I honor the Word by reading or hearing it.  But the greatest honor I can give to the Word is to apply it.  The Word must make a difference in me.  The Holy Spirit quickens my mind as I read/hear the Word.  The Holy Spirit brings it to my memory as I go throughout each day.   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is obvious that you honor those who honor your Word.  May these SOAPs honor you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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