Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 19, 2023: SOAP #5038: Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 2:36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

OBSERVATION:  Here was a senior citizen whose life had not worked out as she had once planned.  She had married.  She and her husband were expecting to grow old with each other; but after only seven years he died.  So, for about 50 years, she dedicated her sorrow and loneliness to the Lord, probably never expecting that God would singularly bless her in this unique way. 

But “at that very moment” Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus into the temple; their paths crossed!  The Holy Spirit led their paths to meet.  A senior citizen, a young couple, and the baby Jesus!   Anna was a Spirit-led senior worshipper whose expression of thanksgiving was included in the pages of the Bible!   

APPLICATION:  The timing of God is an important part of our daily life.  Many times, unplanned and unexpected things are not unplanned nor unexpected in heaven.  They are the Holy Spirit’s way of providing opportunities for us to give a word, or a helping hand in Jesus’ Name.  I must not quickly dismiss the interruption without considering that God may have something for me to do.   

PRAYER:  Jesus, I call you my Lord!  That means you have control over the agenda for my day.  May my agenda never over-rule the leading of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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