January 7: Genesis 18-19; Psalm 3; Luke 7

Urgency = Mercy

Scripture: Genesis 19:16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them.

Observation: Lot was hesitant, and dragging his feet. There was so much that they would have liked to take with them. They were literally being pulled by their hands out of their home and out of the city of Sodom. The impatience of those pulling them from their home was really an expression of mercy in saving them from the judgment that was coming. Lot was unaware of the magnitude of the disaster coming.

The forest ranger with news of an approaching forest fire; the police officer with the news of a fast moving hurricane; the doctor with information about a fast growing cancer; each has a message of mercy that can come across in a very impatient manner. Patience is not the virtue needed in urgent situations.

Application: When God brings me into a place of urgency and demands instant obedience, it is not because He is impatient, but because He is merciful. It is to my harm when I ignore the urgency of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, as I grow in you, help me to respond quickly to your direction for my life. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!