Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer August 25, 2023: SOAP #5013: Jeremiah 37-39; Psalm 79; 2John  

SCRIPTURE:  Jeremiah (NIV) 39:16 “Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfil my words against this city through disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. 17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. 18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

OBSERVATION:  Such interesting scriptures that contain promising thoughts for those going through hard times.  Ebed-Melech was from Ethiopia, perhaps an ambassador to Israel.  Here he would see God’s hand of judgment but would be preserved.  He had rescued Jeremiah from a cistern, and now God would rescue him.   God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah.  Ebed could rely on God’s word to him! 

APPLICATION:  There are SOAP readers who need to draw hope from these chapters (38-39).  Prayerfully read the word to see what God is saying to you.  God is able to provide food when our nation is going through famine.  God is able to provide finances when we are surrounded by poverty.  God is able to provide healing and health when we are surrounded by sickness.  God is able to provide a rescue from what holds us captive. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, speak through the scriptures to my life today.  Give me promises that I can stand on through the storms of life.  Help me make them a permanent part of my thought life.  Give me the gift of faith to hold on to your promises.  …for the glory of Jesus, Amen!   

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