Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 23, 2022: SOAP #4738: Matthew 14-16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 14:15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so that they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus told them to feed the hungry crowd.  They responded, “We have only… .”  — they did not reckon on the presence of Jesus!  They had enough to feed 5000 men plus the women and children.  Wow!  They even had more than enough!  They had enough for twelve basketsful of leftovers!  WOW!!  The miracle could have been done with much less!   Their attention had been on what they had in their hands (which was clearly insufficient), rather than on who was among them (Who was completely sufficient)!

APPLICATION: To limit my potential to what I have in my possession is foolish.  His resources are far greater than what I have and far greater than what I need.  Through Him I can do what God tells me to do.

The key for me is to be a good listener.  I must learn to limit myself to what He says.  I should not run ahead and make plans that I think will improve His plans.  I have so many “good” ideas.  But who can I get to pay for my ideas?  He provides for His plans; He has not promised to pay for my plans. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I believe you enable me to do what you tell me to do.  You do not ask me to do what I cannot do, but only to do what I can.  When I do what I can, I can count on you doing what you can do. It is my joy to work with you! Amen

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