Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 16, 2024: SOAP #5339:  Isaiah 25-28; Hebrews 13

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

OBSERVATION:    As the author comes to the close of his letter, he gives a few short exhortations about things we face in our daily lives.  It is like a parent giving last-minute advice to their child leaving home for the first time.  It would be a list of things to remember, things to do, what to eat and wear…etc. 

And in the list in this last chapter of Hebrews, we find one about our response to authority.  It tells us how to respond to church leadership, but the truth is applicable to all authority in our lives. 

APPLICATION:  I must remember that God holds me responsibility for how I honor and submit to their authority.  God holds them accountable for how they use their authority.  When I learn to submit to God, I can trust Him to work in their lives.  Waiting on God PLUS submission to authority work together to become a powerful force in changing the heart of those in authority. 

When I see things in authority that need to be changed, I have such limited resources available.  Even the wisdom I may have can be ignored or pushed aside.  But when I respond in loving submission and wait upon the Lord, He can bring change.  He can bring wisdom that cannot be ignored. 

…And all the time He is developing His character in me!!!   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, first responders (police, firemen, medics) are so important in our lives today.  But You are the greatest first responder.  When I move aside to make way for a fire truck or ambulance, teach me to move aside for You.  Help me push aside my first response and listen to see if you have something I should say.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Personal note:  Thanks for your prayers.   I passed my physical for bus driving today!  School starts here in a month.   😊