S.O.A.P. Devotion 2018-12-20

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S.O.A.P. Devotion 2018-12-20

Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer

SCRIPTURE:

“Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.””

Matthew 8:18-22 ESV

OBSERVATION:

Two of those who had attached themselves to Jesus’ teachings were making a decision to follow Christ. Each with their own issues. It is likely that the scribe, who had seen the miracles of Jesus, could see how following Jesus might give him some worldly advantage among his peers as Jesus was raised up in popularity. The second was wanting to take care of his father until he was dead and buried and then, once he had fulfilled his duties, he would be free to follow.

To the first disciple, Jesus let it be clear that following Him was not a path to earthly glory, but instead a difficult path. To the second one, He explained that the call to follow him was above every other duty.

APPLICATION:

When we come to that realization that God has called us to follow Jesus, we should do it with a simple focus and a clear mind. It is not about what we can get or when it would be more convenient to answer His call. We just need to follow Him whenever and however he leads.

“The children of Adam are always in extremes; some will rush into the ministry of the Gospel without a call, others will delay long after they are called; the middle way is the only safe one: not to move a finger in the work till the call be given, and not to delay a moment after.” — Adam Clarke

PRAYER:

Father, let me listen intently for Your direction and then help me to immediately follow your lead without hesitation or expectation.

#SOAPDevotion #SOAP #Devotion

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