Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 22, 2023: SOAP #5102: Matthew 11-13

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 13:14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

OBSERVATION:  The gospel message is to be a hearing AND seeing message.  Jesus not only taught messages that people could hear, He did miracles that people could see!  Sometimes His miracles provided an opportunity to teach, and sometimes His teaching led to faith for a miracle.  But they were always together.  (Matthew 11:4-5; and as you read the Gospels take note of the many times teaching/preaching and miracles were linked.)

APPLICATION:  It concerns me that in many churches today the “hearing” aspect of the gospel has taken priority over the “seeing” portion of the gospel.  1Corinthians 12:7-11 speak of “seeable” workings of the Holy Spirit that God has given to each of us. 

Understanding the importance of both hearing and seeing, I must make sure my actions line up with my words.  My daily life is witnessed by many people who need Jesus.  My words and my actions might be the only gospel message they will receive. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for the balance between your words and your actions as you walked on earth.  You are my example.  The same Holy Spirit that led you now leads me. Amen

Pastor Leon
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