Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 12, 2022: SOAP #4696: Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

A little Detail   (reworked SOAP from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 1:3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

OBSERVATION:  A little, probably often overlooked, detail is inserted in this verse by Dr. Luke, the author.  Luke had had finished the book that bears his name by portraying the last supper, the garden of Gethsemane, the trial, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension.  Then, here in the first chapter of Acts Dr Luke continues his writings by mentioning Jesus’ instruction to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.  He mentions the 40 days Jesus was with them prior to his ascension, and the disciples choosing a replacement for Judas.  Then in the following chapter he writes about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.   And in the middle of all these major issues, Luke inserts a short phrase that has nothing to do with them.  If it was not there, we would not miss it.  Luke writes, “ …while he was eating with them.”  The crucified and resurrected Jesus was participating in their everyday, mundane, living activity!

APPLICATION: Sometimes in waiting for Jesus to answer my “big” prayers, and be with me in the hard times, I forget that He is with me in the little things.  I need to learn to rely on Jesus in the “big” times, but I also need to learn to recognize and enjoy His presence in the “small” times.

PRAYER:   Lord, today remind me today of Your presence.  You are with me even when I do not think I need you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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