Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 21, 2022: SOAP #4613: 2Kings 18-19; 2Chronicles 32

SCRIPTURE: 2Chronicles (NIV) 7:7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

OBSERVATION:  The greatest army on the face of the earth, the Assyrian army was about to attack Jerusalem.  King Hezekiah had done what he could to prepare and is now encouraging the citizens. First: He is confident.  He has courage.  His faith is strong.  He knows the big picture. Second:  He speaks truth.  He knows he is about to be attacked.  He knows the strength and size of the enemy’s army.  He does not deny the obvious, BUT HE ALSO KNOWS there is an unseen power.  He knows the unseen is not unavailable or uninvolved. Third:  He points the people to the Lord. They have a history from which to draw faith.  They are not alone.  They do not need depend on only what the enemy has available.  They have the resources of God Who is both able and willing! The invisible power with them is greater than the visible power of the army against them! NOTE:  God brought a miraculous deliverance to Judah.  (2Kings 19:35)

APPLICATION: Many times, I am needed to bring a word of encouragement.  I must be confident, be truthful, and point to God.  While acknowledging those things that can be seen, I must draw attention to what cannot be seen.  Into the picture of what can be seen I must paint the reality of what cannot be seen.

Of course, I must first see the unseeable myself before I can help others see it.  Most often, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in opening the scriptures to me that opens my eyes to see what is invisible to our natural sight. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me to see clearly from heaven’s point of view.  Help me see what you see.  Then use me to help other see the reality of God’s presence and interaction in the world around us.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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