SOAP 12/31/2015; Revelation 22:17

Today's reading: Revelation 19, 20, 21, 22

S) "¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

Revelation 22:17 (NASB)

O) Everyone who comes to Jesus, comes by the call of the God (see also John 6:44-45), which is the Spirit calling. But, there is also the cooperative work of the saints, which is the bride of Christ (the church) also calling to people. This is the core, or base, or first step of the gospel. The grace of God is free. The real issue, is that everyone is dying of thirst, but not everyone wants a drink.

A) There are two sides. The first, is that I still need to come to God (in a sense) to drink. I need to remember that His invitation to come and partake of Him is still active to me. He is still drawing me in to His presence. The second, is that I have a place in this calling. I was dying of thirst, I heard His call to come and drink for free, and I know the life giving Spirit He has (which is te living waters Jesus described in John 4). This is te starting point of the gospel, and this is as much as I need, to call people to God. Are you thirsty? God has the water you seek. Those are all the words I need. From there, God will work on people. Calling others to Christ is just about telling people how I was dying of thirst and I heard where this water could be found, in Jesus Christ.

P) Father, Your grace never ceases to amaze me. Your are holy and good, and You bring life to dead men. We deserved to die slow, painful, thirsty deaths. I deserved that, based on my own sinful choices. But in Your grace, You offered me waters of life that restored me. Help me to remember the gospel this simply, and to share it this simply with others. Let me call them with the same, simple offer: water for te thirsty. In all things, to You alone be all the glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/30/2015; Revelation 15:8

Today's reading: Revelation 15, 16, 17, 18

S) "⁸ And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished."

Revelation 15:8 (NASB)

O) This is another pivotal point in the Revelation John received. How the book is received as a whole, can greatly change how this chapter is read. However, it is quite clear that God is omnipotent and sovereign. Whether this portion of Revelation has already happened (for example, if this portion might relate to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70), or if this is pertaining to the Final Judgment Day, the glory and power of God cannot be overcome. There is no one who can withstand Him when He intervenes.

A) Passages like this, that reveal the might of the LORD, are all about how I respond. If this is a portion of prophecy that has already been fulfilled (which I don't really think, considering the opening lines of this chapter), then obviously the seven plagues from the seven angels doesn't really concern me. However, if this is still a coming event, then there could be cause for alarm. The real question, is whether or not I am going to suffer those plagues. That really has me going back to the first few verses of this chapter, though. If I am found in Christ, when God looks at me, then I have no expectation of wrath. The punishment I had coming to me, because of my own sins, was already poured out with the blood of Jesus. So, whether or not these plagues are to be expected, doesn't really impact my life either way. So, the impact of this chapter is really all about my response to His glory and power, which is worship.

P) Father, Your power and glory are so holy. You are so far above anything I could experience. Open my eyes to see more clearly, the truth of Your might. Help me to better understand the immeasurable difference between my nature and Yours. You deserve all of my worship and service, just for the fact that You are Creator, and I am created. That alone, shows me the difference between us. Father God, help me to always balance this awareness of Your power and glory, with the comfort of Your mercy and love. Help me to fully trust Your will, even when I cannot fully understand or see what You are doing. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, today and in the future. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/29/2015; Revelation 10:4

Today's reading: Revelation 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

S) "⁴ When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.'"

Revelation 10:4 (NASB)

O) While this verse is a literal instruction, the context is plainly for John directly. What this verse really reveals is more of God's character. The first lesson to learn, is that God speaks audibly, but it's not always discernible. This is not the first time God's voice is described as thunder, and it's not the only place that the words in that thunder were not revealed to everyone (see John 12:28-30). The second thing is related directly to the first, and it is that God does not speak everything to everyone. God will not contradict Himself, or lie, but if He speaks something to one person, it is His sovereign right to keep that thing between Himself and the hearer. The last thing is a little more broad. God reserves the right to not give all of the information. Forget the fact that John heard something that I will never hear (as did all of the apostles, no doubt. John himself noted something like this at the end of his gospel), but God also knows a great many things He will not share with us (unsearchable, unknowable, immeasurable things).

A) As will all instances of "hearing from God" (however it takes place), everything must be carefully examined against Scripture. The word of God is authoritative, but the Bible is infallible and I am not. Sometimes it can be hard enough to understand what the Bible is telling me, and it is plain and unchanging, and open for study. If I feel like God is leading me in a direction, somehow, it's very easy to misunderstand, misinterpret, skew, or otherwise mess up what God could have been saying. So, however terms like "special revelation" are defined, I think God may very well speak today, and probably a lot more often than I will ever realize. I may never discern it like John did. If I do, I may not be allowed to share it. In any case, I am thankful for His revealed, written word. I am thankful that it is reliable and searchable. I am thankful for what John was told to write down. I must remain humble, remembering that what God has already revealed is more than enough.

P) Father, thank You for the grace You have already shown me. You are sovereign and mighty, and You have every right to speak or keep silent. You have the power and prerogative to do what You will, and I am humble enough now, to see that it is as it should be. You have already done more than enough for me to know You, and to live a righteous life. In the Bible, I have all I need to know Christ Jesus. In Him, I have all that I could ever need, or even want. Thank You, Lord. Let Your will continue to be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/28/2015; Revelation 8:1

Today's reading: Revelation 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

 S) "¹ When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour."

Revelation 8:1 (NASB)

O) You know when you were a kid, and you and your siblings were messing around in the bedroom when you were supposed to be cleaning, and then maybe something breaks and it makes a loud noise. Then, you and your sibling are scrambling, arguing, trying to figure out what to do. And maybe another sibling comes in, hearing the noise, and is incredulous about what's gone down, and they're giving you warnings about the trouble that's coming. Then the door opens and your dad is standing there, taking in the scene without saying a word, and you and your siblings fall completely silent. You know something serious is about to happen. You're scared to make a noise, for fear of making anything worse. You don't even try to defend yourself, you're just totally enraptured by the authority that has just revealed himself. Even the innocent sibling, who only came into the room to help, is completely silent on your behalf, as if to mourn for the discipline you are about to receive, because they know how bad it's going to hurt. This is the scene in heaven when that seventh seal was broken. There is a reverence in silence.
There is submission in silence.
There is sympathy in silence.
There is condolence in silence.
Seven trumpets were about to sound, and the tribulation that had been experienced up until this point, was about to get exponentially worse. There are a lot of descriptions that follow this silence, but in a lot of ways, that silence says more than anything described with the trumpet blasts. That quiet before the storm, that heavenly, wordless lament, carries with it a warning that is felt deeper than any danger described.

A) Silence is unbearable. It's strange to be in total silence. When I have tried to observe silence for a long time, I've noticed that I almost hear phantom noises. It's like my brain can't handle the silence, so it makes something up. There are a lot of reasons to be silent. Showing sympathy for a loss, there are times people ask for a moment of silence to remember the fallen. In prayer, it's easy to ask, ask, ask, without ever asking God to speak, and silently waiting for Him to move. But, perhaps the most overlooked purpose for me to be silent, is in anticipation for what someone is about to face. Too often, I want to chime in with advice or warning. Too often, I want to tell a story of my own, about similar circumstances. I think there is a place for that kind of response. However, I also think there is a place for silence. There is a place to show my understanding, sympathy, or unity, by saying nothing at all.

P) Father, continue to work in me. I confess that I am foolish much too often, when it comes to appreciating silence. Teach me patience and wisdom, Lord. Help me to understand when silence is the better part of sympathy. Help me to understand when silence is the better part of warning. Open my eyes and ears, and close my mouth. Help me to practice silence, Lord. Please continue to mold me into the man I should be, and let Your will be done in all things. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/27/2015; Proverbs 9:8

Today's reading: Revelation 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "⁸ Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you."

Proverbs 9:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 9

O) The verse before and after this one, expound a little bit on this verse. Just before it, we are told that correcting a scoffer or a wicked man, can mean dishonor or injury. Just after this verse, we are told that a wise or righteous man will benefit from teaching or instruction. This verse is a little bit like the short command Jesus gave, not to cast pearls before swine. There are people who will not accept wisdom for what it is, no matter how reasonable or beneficial it might be. Trying to do so will actually backfire, and create the opposite effects that were intended. On the other hand, a wise man will actually appreciate correction, recognizing that it is good for him.

A) The obvious use of this verse, is to remind me not to try and correct a scoffer. I need to be careful about giving advice, that the person will actually receive it. If they don't want it, then I should keep my mouth shut, regardless of what knowledge, insight, or wisdom I might have. On the other hand, if I know someone truly seeks knowledge, then any help or direction I can give, I should give freely. The other use of this verse, is as a sort of barometer for my level of haughtiness. If someone comes to me with advice, correction, or reproof, my reaction should be thankfulness. If I am wise, then I will love the man who reproves me. On the other hand, if my reaction is scornful, then I need to recognize I have a problem, because I am obviously not seeking wisdom at that point (as I always should be).

P) Father, You are holy and wise. You correct Your children because You love us. You are a perfect Father, and in Your relationships You always act perfectly. Help me be wise in my relationships. Open my eyes to see when silence is the better part of prudence. Help me to see when wisdom will not be received, so that I am not spinning my wheels for nothing. At the same time, I don't want to miss any opportunity to share the gospel, shed light, or spread hope, life, and peace. So, give me the wisdom and courage, to speak up when someone is lacking direction. Help me to give instruction where someone needs it. I pray that I have the grace and mercy that You gave me, for other people. Let me always accept reproof with humility and thanksgiving. Help me to always realize the wisdom in other people's words. Ultimately, be glorified in my life, by the counsel I keep and the counsel I give. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/26/2015; 2 John 7-8

Today's reading: Psalm 117, 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1

S) "⁷ For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. ⁸ Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward."

2 John 7-8 (NASB)

O) The first notable thing, and really what drew me to this passage, is the definition of antichrist. John makes it very clear, here, that there is no single Antichrist, as if that is a title bestowed upon evil incarnate. Anyone who deceives others into believing that Jesus Christ is not who He said He is, that person is an antichrist. Pop culture is responsible (as much as anything else, I think), for the notion that there is an Antichrist. That is nothing but sensationalism, and plays right into the deceptive hands of satan himself. It must be right up there with the notion that he rules hell. The second part of this passage to consider, is the warning balanced with promise. What is at stake, in this admonition? What has been accomplished, that may be at risk? There are two things in jeopardy. First, looking above in the letter (v.4), we see this was written to a matriarch of believers, who has faithfully spread the gospel to her children (whether children in the flesh, or in the spirit, we do not know). So, when she is told to be on guard against deceivers, what is at risk is her very progeny. This who are following her lead, would likely not be as spiritually mature, and therefore susceptible to deceitful teachings. The second thing follows in kind, that her own obedience could be threatened.

A) This is pretty straight forward. The most important thing for me to remember, is that the self-examination must not be according to my own wisdom, but according to God's. This is primarily done through the Scripture and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Also, this is where mutual ministry becomes vital (because of the deceitfulness of sin). I must be on guard, not for my own sake alone, but also for my family. I need to be aware of the voices speaking to my wife and kids, through media, friends, or even the doubts and lies they hear in their own heads. Again, it will not be enough for me to address these with my own words (no matter how wise). I need to counter lies with the very Truth of God, His Word, Jesus Christ.

P) Father, there is a lot at stake in this kind of warning. Not the least of which, is Your glory. I am reminded and convicted, that I am a watchman over my family. They do not belong to me alone, but they truly belong to You. I am their steward while they are with me, and I need to shepherd them in such a way as to honor You, while they are under my care. Just like Jesus prayed about His disciples, before He left to be crucified, I want to be a good shepherd, not losing any of the flock You have given to me to pastor. Open my eyes to see through the deceit of antichrists, and give me wisdom and courage to speak out against false teachings that threaten my family, Your children. In all things, be glorified in my life, and let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.