Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 17, 2023: SOAP #5005: Jeremiah 23, 25; John 19

SCRIPTURE:  Jeremiah (NIV) 23:23 “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? 24 Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.

OBSERVATION:  In speaking to the unfaithful shepherds, God reveals something about Himself.  God is God wherever God is.  He is not more powerful here than He is anyplace else.  He is not less powerful anywhere else than He is here!  

No one can hide from God; and no one can be hidden from God.  When we try to hide, we are only hiding in plain sight of God.  He fills heaven and earth.  It is foolish to try to hide from God.  It is foolish to hide anything from God. 

APPLICATION:  What fear should fill the hearts of those who are trying to hide from God, or those thinking that God has not seen what they did or heard what they said!   All we say and do is in plain sight of God. 

AND what peace should fill the hearts of those thinking they are all alone in their troubles!   God is with them!  He sees them!  He knows!   What comfort should fill the hearts of those praying for loved ones in some far away land.  God is just as close to those for whom we are praying as He is to those doing the praying.  He who is with us as we pray is with them as we pray for them! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, what an amazing God you are!  I remember that night in Viet Nam when the enemy was attacking our perimeter.  I remember the small airplane that seemed to rain fire upon the enemy.  (Only one in five rounds were tracer bullets.)  What terror was probably in the heart of the enemy; what comfort was in my heart.  That night, I was glad I was on his side!  And today, I am so glad I am on your side!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon