Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 12, 2023: SOAP #4969: Isaiah 11-14; Hebrews 9

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

OBSERVATION:  My heart is broken as I consider the terrible suffering Jesus endured for me on the cross.  Also the suffering of the Roman whipping.  But for Jesus that was only a small part of His suffering.  From the cross He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  He who had never known sin, who had never sinned, was bearing the sins of the world.  The punishment would not be complete without breaking His fellowship with the Father!  The eternal, loving relationship of the God the Father and God the Son was broken.  Was this the reason He cried in the garden, “Father if it is possible let this pass.”  But, no—the full consequence of sin had to be experienced for Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice. 

APPLICATION:  Yes, my heart is broken, BUT MY HEAERT ALSO REJOICES!   It is over!!!  He only needed to suffer ONCE!!! 

I am amazed that One so great went to such extreme lengths to save me.  He must really love me!   He must have some plan for me that is greater than any of my dreams. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I have been cleansed by your blood.  I have been filled with your Holy Spirit.  Use me for your glory, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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