Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 07, 2023: SOAP #4814: Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 14:19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered round him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derby. 21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was hit with rocks to the point he was considered dead.  His body was drug outside the city, probably to some cemetery or garbage dump. Disciples gathered around Paul, probably praying, and God worked a miracle.  God restored Paul and he got up and went back into the city!   One would think that he would take a few days to recover from the stoning, but that is not what we read.  The next day they left, walking to Derby, a distance of 20 miles [Nelson]!  After ministry in Derby, they stopped again in Lystra on their way home.

APPLICATION: Two things I see in this passage.  First, the Christian life is not trouble free.  Problems and persecution are not signs I am out of God’s will.  His presence sustains us and carries us through the troubles. 

Second, having Christ is my life is well worth any troubles that come my way.  As my father’s life taught me, it is worth the sacrifice to follow Jesus.

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, make me a useful servant.  Let your power and grace be seen in me. I am relying on your presence!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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