Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 09, 2023: SOAP #4966: Micah 1-4; Hebrews 6

SCRIPTURE:  Micah (NIV) 4:11But now many nations are gathered against you. They say, “Let her be defiled, let our eyes gloat over Zion!” 12 But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, he who gathers them like sheaves to the threshing-floor.
Hebrews (NIV) 6:16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.

OBSERVATION:  In creation, God’s character traits can be seen everywhere—except His love.  God prepared the world to be inhabited by man, his unique creation created to make choices.  He was designed to be susceptible to temptation.  Satan would be allowed to tempt man to sin and when that happened the Jesus, God the Son, would come and demonstrate God’s ability to love.  He would be the sinless sacrifice that holiness demanded to cover the sins of man!  Jesus would come as one person to one family in one nation—that nation, Israel. 

In Micah’s prophecy, the nations gathered against Israel do not know God’s promises, plans, and purposes for Israel.  But Hebrews assures us that God’s promises are a solid foundation for our faith!   First: they are His word, which has the foundation of His character.  Second:  He gave them with an oath sworn on Himself (since there was no higher power to call as a witness.) 

APPLICATION:  My sins are forgiven based on the promises in God’s Word!  I have the promise of His presence now and the promise of eternity in heaven with the Lord!  I am blessed!  I miss so much when I do not live by His promises!

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for your promises!   They are a solid foundation!  Help me know them and build my life on them.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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