Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 13, 2023: SOAP #5032: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel (NIV) 35:12 Then you will know that I the LORD have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.”
13 You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it.

OBSERVATION:  God was speaking through Ezekiel to Israel’s neighbors.  They had been bad-mouthing Israel and they had taken advantage of Israel when Israel was going through tough times.  Yes, Israel was God’s special people though which He would send the promised Messiah.  Yes, Israel had sinned and turned to worshipping idols.  But they remained people of the Promise.  And the promise depended on God’s faithfulness, not on Israel’s righteousness. 

So God paid attention to what was said about Israel, and what was said about Him!  

APPLICATION:  God is not just a speaker; He is a listener!  I must always be aware that God is listening to every word I speak.  He does not just ignore my words but takes note of what I say.  Thanks to parents who raised me to respect and honor God, He will not hear any curse words, or oaths, or taking the Lord’s name disrespectfully, but…

…there have been times when I spoke in doubt of God’s promises.  Although I have known God’s promises, I have said, “I do not think that God will ever….”  Or, knowing God’s promises, I have acted like it all depended on me. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, may my words and my actions always display faith in you and Your promises. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen

Pastor Leon
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