Permanent Trumps Temporary!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 13, 2024: SOAP #5154: Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

SCRIPTURE:  Genesis (NIV) 35:3 Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”… 21 Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder.

OBSERVATION:  In Genesis 12:7-8 we read of Jacob’ grandfather moving through this same area and doing the same thing; building an altar and pitching his tent.  Now as Jacob is returning home and after successfully encountering his brother who had earlier threatened to kill him, he does the same thing.  He built an altar and pitched his tent. 

APPLICATION:  To me that speaks of the priorities established in the lives of Abram and Jacob.  Building an altar speaks to me of permanence.  It is built to last.  But pitching a tent is done understanding that it can be moved.  It is of a temporary nature. 

Only my relationship with God is eternal!  It will not be stopped by the grave.  As we used to sing: “This world is not my home; I just a passing through.”  My relationship to possessions, work, houses and lands, is only temporary.  They may not even last until death, but certainly they will not pass through death!  They will all be left behind. 

How foolish to focus on the temporary and ignore the permanent!

PRAYER:  Lord, help me keep my priorities in proper order.  Re-align my priorities with your priorities.  Teach me to look at things with heaven in view.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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