NOTE:  Sharon and I will be traveling the next couple of weeks, so my times in posting the SOAPs may be varied from day to day.  Like today, some may be several hours early, and like yesterday, some may be late.  When they are early, it is because my evening will be full of times of special fellowship. For those who might be interested, today we are in Ohio visiting Pastor Harry Pishcura and his family.  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 10, 2022: SOAP #4602: Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 7:11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come—one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.

OBSERVATION:  The Old Testament law showed us the holiness of God and how far short we came in keeping the law.  It was weak and could not in itself bring man to God. 

Its priesthood was weak.  All its priests were sinners.  Before a priest could make a sacrifice for our sins, he had to first make a sacrifice for his own sins.  Its sacrifices were weak.  The blood of bulls and goats could never be an acceptable payment for the sins of a man. 

APPLICATION: The law taught me how terrible my sin really is. The law taught me to look for another priest.  The law taught me to look for a better sacrifice. 

I found both in Jesus.  Jesus is the perfect high priest!  He had no personal sins needing His payment!   Jesus is also the perfect sacrifice. 

His death on the cross shows me the terribleness of my sin and what God’s holiness demanded.  His death also showed me the great love God had for me. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, accepting you as my savior, means that I have given up looking elsewhere for the perfect priest and perfect sacrifice.  I have found it all in you!  Thank you for loving me.  Thank you for dying for my sin and making me acceptable to a Holy God.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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