Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2023: SOAP #4888: 1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” … 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.

OBSERVATION:  This passage has always had my attention.  It was not the faith of the paralytic, but the faith of those who carried him to Jesus.  It was their faith that was put into action.  It was their faith that Jesus saw.  

According to their faith, their actions were very logical.  Jesus could heal; their friend needed healing but could not walk; they would carry him to Jesus. 

Perhaps there were others that day who wondered what these men were doing.  It might have seemed like a waste of time and effort.  But to those carrying the paralytic, it was very logical!  

And it was also very logical to someone else—to Jesus!  He understood what they were doing.  He responded to “their faith!” 

APPLICATION: Faith is the natural response to hearing God speak to my heart.  When God personalizes His word to my heart, it is more than words on a page, or more than someone speaking to me.  Those written or spoken words carry a message for Leon.  They are burned into my thoughts, and I cannot push them aside. 

When God speaks to me, it is logical to direct my actions accordingly.  When I act like His word to me is true, then my faith becomes visible to others and to God. 

PRAYER:   Lord, Others may see my faith; some may be critical, but I want my faith to be visible to you.  May I bring joy to your heart by acting like your word to me is true.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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