Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 06, 2024: SOAP #5360: Habakkuk 1-3; John 8

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 8:19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no-one seized him, because his time had not yet come.

OBSERVATION: Timing was so important in the life and ministry of Jesus.  He was introduced as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.  On Passover, the Israelites sacrificed The Lamb as they were freed from bondage in Egypt.  And now Passover was just a few days away and if the Jewish leaders had their way they would have crucified him as soon as they could. 

But in the REAL PICTURE, Jesus was to be the Passover Lamb that would be sacrificed as Passover was celebrated!  His death frees us from sin as the Israelites were set free from Egyptian bondage.  As the death angel came through Egypt, he saw the blood on the Israelite door posts and passed over their homes.  In the above verses, the Priests and synagogue leaders were upset in what they saw as blasphemy, but “his time had not yet come.”  

APPLICATION:  Timing for me is not as crucial with such long reaching effects as it was in Jesus, yet God’s timing is often an important aspect of what God is doing in my life.  There have been times when God has given me some instructions a year prior to when it was needed.  Then when it happened, I knew that God had prepared me for that assignment.  More often it seems that God waits until the last minute to give me information or provision.  Without giving specific testimonies of each, let me assure you that, in looking back, I can say God’s timing is perfect! 

He knows what He is doing.  He sees the BIG PICTURE.  He is working for our good and His glory.   

PRAYER: Lord, I trust you, so I trust your timing in my life.  My death will not stop the fulfillment of your promises, it may even bring me closer to realizing the fullness of what you have promised.  You teach me to wait patiently for your timing.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Just a personal note:  Tuesday (8/6) I am scheduled to have a biopsy taken from my prostate.  In praying, the Lord has not specifically assured me of healing, but He clearly told me that He would heal those who touched me to serve me in this process.  Rejoice with me and pray for God to be glorified.  I will not know the results until 8/16.  Leon 😊