Now it came to pass...

Friday 7-22-2016   Home in Modesto

Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 36 – 37   Psalm 76    1 Peter 1

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Isaiah 36:1 Now it came to pass... NKJV

1 Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. NKJV

O.  Peter writes to those Christians that have fled for their lives to distant lands to escape the deadly persecution within Israel at that time.  He lets them know that their affliction is temporary... just for a little while.  Their faith will carry them through to the other side where they will rejoice. 

A.  Isaiah 36 and 37 relate the story of a very difficult time in the life of King Hezekiah and his city.  In the NKJV it starts out “And it came to pass...”.  Back when I was a kid I heard about a black minister that preached from those misinterpreted words to his racially persecuted, suffering congregation with great fervor.  He would probably say: “It came to pass... not to stay.  This ain’t gonna last!  It’s a temporary trial.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Jesus is waiting for us there!”  I can just about hear the “Amens” and “Glory to God!” Now Peter joins in this thought.  He says to me, “Hang in there!  Don’t let your faith get shaken!  This trial is only now “for a little while”.  It’s going to pass.  It is temporary.  Soon you will be rejoicing!”

P.  Lord Jesus, You give me hope.  This trial is on its way out.  Better days are coming.  I will get my strong voice back.  Lord, I pray that you may encourage some struggling soul with this word. “It came to pass.”  These trials have come only “for a little while.”  Better days are just ahead for others and for me.  Although our eyes have not seen You yet, we have trusted... and we will still trust in You.  Amen.

Ralph