Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 30, 2023: SOAP #4896: 2Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 17:22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

OBSERVATION:  Here is one of several times Jesus told the disciples that his necessary suffering would take Him to death, BUT HE WOULD RETURN TO LIFE.   Yes, He would suffer.  Yes, He would die.  But He would just as surely return to life!  The victory lay on the other side of death!   

APPLICATION:  The activities of the disciples following His crucifixion show that they did not remember what He had told them.  They could have had a watch-night vigil at the tomb the evening of the second day! 

It is so important for me to look through the trouble ahead to the victory on the other!   It is easy to let present trouble block my view of the victory ahead.  If I saw the victory, I could begin rejoicing even before the trouble is swept aside. 

Being faithful to read God’s Word and listening to the Holy Spirit helps me to focus through the difficulty to the victory.  Hearing testimonies encourages me that God is still faithful to His word and is actively working today. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I know that the greater struggle brings the greater rejoicing when the victory is won.  Stir my spirit to begin rejoicing even before the victory is won.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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