Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 30, 2022: SOAP #4775: Revelation 15-18

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 16:4The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; 6 for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” 7 And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”

OBSERVATION:  The angels can clearly see that God’s judgments are “just.”  God is perfectly holy, so He judgments could be nothing other than perfectly holy.  They have never been, nor will ever be, other than “true and just.”

APPLICATION: Sometimes we who live on earth have limited insight into all that God does.  We judge God as being unfair, showing favorites, being too hard, etc.  Of course, Satan will always be encouraging us to misjudge God. 

But we walk by faith and not by sight.  The more we know about God, the better we will be able to understand what happens to us and what happens around us.  Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Our faith is developed by the Word of God, and in the Word of God is a revelation of the character of God.  The better we understand God’s character the better our confession will be, “Just and true are your judgments!”  “Just and true” is everything you do! 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, you do nothing that is not in-line with your character.  The better we know You, the better we understand what happens around us.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 29, 2022: SOAP #4774: Revelation 10-14

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 10:1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. 2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, 3 and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.

OBSERVATION:  Angels have always had an important role in God’s plan.  Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

From that verse, it seems to me that angels have their purpose in working for the good of people for whom Christ died.  They are involved in influencing individuals, groups and governments to decisions that will cause people to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  They are God’s servants.  They serve God by serving His creation.    

APPLICATION: Knowing that God has mighty angels at His command, who are working for our good, should breathe fresh courage into our lives. 

Sometimes we see angels in the form of people.  Sometimes we just see what they do.  An army destroyed by the angel of the Lord in 2Chronicles, or an angel leading Peter out of prison in Acts. 

PRAYER:  Thank you, Lord.  I know you are working all things for my good.  Thank you for your angels.  Holy Spirit, help me to recognize their presence and involvement in my circumstances.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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