Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 12, 2023: SOAP #4788: Genesis 29-30; Luke 12

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 12:49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!
Luke (NIV) 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.
Matthew (NIV) 27: 46  About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

OBSERVATION:  In these three passages, I see the natural human reluctance to suffering and death.  It is natural to recoil from such a horrible death as crucifixion.  But for Jesus, it was even worse.  He who had never sinned was dying as a sinner.  He who had never had a cross word with Father God was now experiencing being forsaken. 

In Luke 12:50 Jesus wishes it was already over and He mentions that it is distressing to anticipate what is about to happen to Him.   He knew it was necessary, but wishes it was already over.  He dreaded it but He did it!

APPLICATION: It is no wonder that Jesus can help me face things that I wish were already in the past.

PRAYER:  Jesus, thank you for not backing out on your commitment to suffer and die on the cross in payment for my sin. I am so grateful! I love you! Amen

Pastor Leon
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