SOAP Devotional 2014-08-29
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9, 11 NLT)
Observation:
Jesus was just a baby, but the wise men realized who he was. They saw Jesus and his mother, Mary, and they “bowed down and worshiped HIM”. They gave their gifts to Him and not to Joseph or Mary. Joseph or Mary were just caretakers of our Lord. It was a great opportunity for them, but the promised messiah was Jesus. They deserve respect for the position they were allowed to fill, but even the wise men knew the gifts belonged to Jesus.
Application:
Ministers of the gospel are caretakers of the gospel message. It is a great opportunity, but Jesus is the promised one. Ministers are due respect for the positions they are allowed to fill, but all the glory and honor goes to Jesus. We are wise men when we recognize the difference, both as those who serve as ministers and those who benefit from their ministry.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to keep my focus on you. I never want to be guilty of assuming credit for what you do even through our ministry. All the glory belongs to you!