Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 28, 2024: SOAP #5260: 2Samuel 3; 1Chronicles 12; Matthew 15

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35  He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children.

OBSERVATION: The seven loaves and the few small fish were put in Jesus hands.  He gave thanks, broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples to give to the people.  4,000 people had plenty to eat and they picked up seven basketfuls of leftovers!  

The leftovers were of the same quality as what was eaten.  They had been blessed by the same hands.  They came from the same source. 

APPLICATION:  The leftovers were proof that the need had been met.  The leftovers were proof that Jesus provides abundantly.  The leftovers served as memory stimulators after the need had been met. 

Every miracle of Jesus has leftovers.  The joy that comes from God’s work remains with us.  It is a leftover that comes every time we recall what God did.  After the need is met, we are left with a good memory.   Another leftover is the testimony we can share with others.  The joy is shared when our brothers and sisters hear what God has done for us!   Another leftover is the increased faith we gain as we recall what God has done. Perhaps the greatest leftover is a fresh awareness that God is willing to get involved with my problems and He is able to make a difference!  

PRAYER: Lord, now at 76 years, I have a life full of leftovers, full of memories and testimonies.  But with you in my life, you never let them grow stale.  Like your Word, they are always fresh.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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