Quickly

January 5–Genesis 18-21

“Now the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre. . .when he lifted up his eyes. . .three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran. . .to meet them. . .So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes’ ” (18:1-2, 6).

As you read God’s word, today, did you learn from Him? Scripture is God’s voice, God’s word. As we study, He is faithful to guide us into all righteousness. With great sincerity, we must heed what the Spirit is saying.

Did you notice the words that indicate haste or hurry? “He ran.” “He hurried.” Abraham told Sarah to prepare, “quickly.” Afte twenty-five years, the time had come! The fulfillment of God’s promise! When the angel visitors came, Abraham sensed the moment. See 19:1. How he recognized them we do not know. One of the three, I am convinced, was the Lord, Himself. The pre-incarnate Christ. See 18:10, 17.

Spiritual growth is a process. We must not resist this fact, nor resent it. God uses years to develop His children. Slowly, He softens our wills, gives us ears. Painful assignment for us. Even so, God’s love and patience are the same. He uses time because we need it, learn best with it.

Spiritual growth is also filled with decisive moments. When God’s time finally arrives, circumstances will change rapidly. New paths will be presented to be embraced with enthusiasm. Airplanes know this truth. To take off, you need speed. Abraham hurried because he believed.

As paradoxical as it seems, God requires BOTH skills of His children. The ability to wait (when it is time for waiting) and the ability to hurry (when it is time for action and forward movement). The story of Lot’s wife warns us. See Genesis 19. Given an opportunity to flee, she proved unprepared. She did not (would not) hurry. She looked back and was judged.

Where are your track shoes, dear reader? When God speaks, He expects us to move quickly.

” A year from now, you may wish you had started today” (Karen Lamb).

“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:18).

“Haste, haste to give Him laud, the babe, the child of Mary” (“What Child is This?” traditional Christmas carol, italics mine).