Anticipating our Savior's Second Coming

SOAP #8 – Anticipating our Savior’s Second Coming

Scripture:

Jesus told the apostle John, “ Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done, as I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13 ESV

Observation:

The promise of Jesus, which Apostle John recorded is a message of encouragement to all Christians of all times. It contains three great reminders to us: 1) Jesus WILL return, 2) Jesus sees all and will repay those who have served Him, 3) Jesus is EVERYTHING. He is the “A” to the “Z”, the beginning to the end.

Application:

Ending the old year gives us an opportunity to look back on what transpired these past 12 months. And it’s interesting that God looks back, too. He knows all the prayers we’ve prayed. He’s seen all the times we served, often without a word of thanks from the recipient(s). He’s seen our “secret” giving. He alone knows the “price” it has cost us to do His will. And Jesus reassures us that He will repay us all for what we have done.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for the reminder that YOU are coming again and that You plan to reward all the giving and serving and sacrifices that have been made in Your Name. Help me not get weary in well-doing. I rely on You to take me through every day, every task, and through this coming year. Once again I commit my life to serve and glorify You. Help me be Your faithful servantl, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Out with the Old, in with the NEW

SOAP #7 – Ending the “Old Year”

Scripture:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. . . He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’" Revelation 21:3-5 ESV

Observation:

The Apostle John’s account of his heavenly vision gives us great hope for our future eternal life with God. How different everything will be when we live with God in His eternal home. No more troubles, sadness, pain, or death. All difficulties of our present life will end as a whole NEW life begins in God’s presence.

Application:

The end of this “old” year brings reflections, thanksgivings, resolutions, and sometimes remorse. But it’s also another year closer to going “home.” It’s good to reflect on what that means: a new existence fully in God’s presence, and full of NEW life, because God is the One who makes everything new.

Prayer:

I thank You, Lord, for the past year filled with Your grace, mercy, faithfulness, and forgiveness. You’ve walked these 365 days of 2009 with me and I trust You for another year in Your presence. I’m thankful for Your loving promise to make all things new in me, in my family, and in all areas of my life while I wait expectantly for the day when everything is completely NEW in You. Amen.

Can Rigid Righteousness Tolerate Boundaryless Love?

S

(Romans 5:6-8) For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--but God shows His love toward is in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

O

Paul wasn't writing about addicts or burglars who risk their lives for each other, believing they're "really" good people. Nor was he referring to good people (parents, spouses, police officers, military) who willingly when necessary put their lives in harm's way. He was pointing to the rarity (perhaps because of its absurdity) of a person being so righteous (rigidly law abiding) that a good (kind) person would die in his or her place. Still more absurd would be a good person dying so a plague to the community (bad person) could continue. Good people are angered and appalled by evil just as righteous people resist evil, which makes Christ's love for us profoundly absurd, yet inviting.

A

Thankfully, God doesn't call us to die for other people's sins--only He could be so rigidly righteous and absurdly compassionate. Still, the same Holy Spirit (through Paul) invites me to become Christlike (Romans 12:1): to offer my body back to God as a living sacrifice (literally, living martyr). In my response to God's crazy love for me, I can become a living demonstration of the benefits of righteousness, goodness, and crazy love for people who don't technically deserve my care or kindness.

P

Lord, when I'm quietly honest, I admit that had I been in Jerusalem 2009 years ago, I too would have nailed You to the cross as an obedient (callous or scared) soldier, or mocked You if I'd been among the news junky spectators, or fled and denied You if I'd been Your disciple. You deserved to not forgive me even in my ignorance. Thank You. I could never duplicate such love, but I'm honored in my own small way to regift Your love through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You!

SOAP #6 – My Response to Christmas Good News

Scripture:

“And [the shepherds] went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. . . . And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." Luke 2:16-19 ESV

Observation:

As soon as the shepherds heard the amazing announcement of their Savior’s birth, they followed the angel's instructions on where He could be found. After seeing their Savior, they shared the good news with everyone. As the shepherds returned to their flocks, they glorified and praised God for all they had been privileged to see and hear.

Application:

These shepherds make me aware of my own reaction to God’s Word and promises. Am I like the shepherds, full of trust in God’s Word and eager to share the good news of Christmas with all who are willing to listen? Following the shepherds example, I too can glorify and praise God for all He has done in my life.

Prayer:

Thank You Lord for the many ways You speak to me daily through Your Word. Fill my life with joy and peace as I remember Your love and faithful promises. Help me be alert to opportunities where I can share with others what You are doing in my life. Work new life in me as You continue to “birth” Jesus in me. Amen.

SOAP #5

Scripture:

Zechariah was troubled when he saw [the angel in the Temple] . . . But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” . . . . And the angel said to Mary, ". . . behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:12-13, 36-37 ESV

Observation:

In two appearances, Gabriel speaks God’s Word of new “life” into impossible situations: an elderly childless couple, and an unmarried teenager. But Zachariah responds in unbelief because now it is impossible to conceive and bear a child. When Gabriel delivers a similar message to Mary, he informs her of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and reminds her: “Nothing will be impossible with God.” She receives Fabriel’s announcement in faith.

Application:

Since God often works the best miracles in “impossible” situations, how does this relate to me today? Am I willing to believe God’s Word & promises for my impossibilities? As I read the promises of God, I am faced with the same choice as Zachariah and Mary. Will I focus on my situation or will I trust God’s ability to do the “impossible”?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for telling and showing me that nothing is impossible for You. I place all my “impossibilities” into Your hands. Show forth Your glory in my life and in the lives of those I love. I thank You and praise You. Amen.

Who is the Greatest?

Scripture:

Jesus told His disciples: “You know that rulers of the non-Jewish people love to show their power over the people. , . . But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant . . . In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” Matthew 20:25-28 (New Century Version)

Observation:

The disciples had been arguing about positions of honor in God’s kingdom. Now Jesus challenges their aspirations to greatness with a unique call to servant-hood. And HE is the best example of a servant. He came to earth to offer up his life as our ransom. In God’s eyes, those who reach out to serve others like He did are the “greatest.”

Application:

My attitude and my actions need to change as I remember my role as God’s servant in this world. When I feel tired of the endless and often thankless tasks that fill every day, it’s time to remember Jesus’ example. He urges me as His disciple to obey His call to serve. God has a different view of greatness. I need a new view also.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to be my servant, to ransom me and to be my Savior. Forgive my selfishness and lack of service to those around me. Change my heart. Use me to bless others. Show me people and places where You are calling me to serve in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Ask...seek...knock

Scripture:

Jesus said, “Ask . . . seek . . . knock . . .everyone who asks, receives . . .What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? . . . If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?” Matthew 7:1-11 NKJV

Observation:

Jesus not only gives us permission to ask, seek, and knock, but He encourages us and urges us to take all our needs to our Heavenly Father. Jesus reminds us how a good father will not give a stone to his own child who is hungry. All of us know how to give a good gift to someone we love. How much more will our heavenly Father—the all-wise God who is LOVE—give only good things to us when we ask.

Application:

It’s time to rethink my prayer life. Am I taking everything to the Lord and continuing to ask, seek, and knock, even when I have to wait for answers? Will I completely trust the “answers” God gives me, even when they are not always what I want? This parable of an earthly father giving good gifts to his son encourages me to thank the Lord for every gift, knowing there is a good reason for what God allows in my life, even when He says ‘no’ to my requests.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, give me eyes to “see” all the GOOD gifts You give me. Help me be like a small child who completely trusts his daddy. You hear every thought and prayer. You know what is best for me. I again “ask” You to lead me, to show me the way to go, to fill me with your Spirit. I thank You and praise You for being my loving Daddy whom I I can trust to care for me as long as I live. Amen.