Tarrying Too Long
Today’s Verse:
And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them. ~Judges 19:8
Places of business such as restaurants and retail stores have established hours of operation. When it is close to closing time, the employees of the store look forward to the customers leaving so that they can wind down operations. It can be very aggravating for them when some customers linger around and are not conscientious about the closing time. In the Christian life, it is important for us to recognize that it is important to have resolve about our decisions. Let us see the danger of tarrying too long.
We see the purpose.
“And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.” A Levite went to Bethlehemjudah to bring his concubine back home. It was important for both of them to go back to their home and get their home life in order. The purpose of the Christian life is to obey God’s Word, do God’s will, be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and glorify God. Be certain of your purpose, and determine to get it done.
We see the proposal.
The father of the concubine proposed that the Levite should stay with him for three days. The Levite consented and stayed. On the fourth day, as he was getting ready to leave, his father-in-law requested him to stay through the fourth night. Again, he consented. On the fifth day, as the Levite was getting ready to leave, the father-in-law requested him to stay for lunch. The Levite agreed again. One of the greatest ways the devil keeps us from doing God’s will or getting things done is by causing us to delay our decisions. We put off doing what we are supposed to do because we might be inconvenienced. We put off doing what we are supposed to do because we lack resolve in making a firm decision. Be careful of the devil’s proposals to put off important decisions.
We see the priority.
“But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed….” The Bible teaches us the priority of making a firm decision. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “How long halt ye between two opinions?” “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” We must avoid the attitude of Herod Agrippa at all costs: “Almost thou persuadest me….” The priority is that we must obey God rather than man. The priority is to avoid delay, indecision, and procrastination. Redeeming the time includes making a firm decision when the Holy Spirit speaks.
We see the precaution.
Don’t tarry long when it comes to key decisions. Lack of resolve and indecision rob you of the blessing of God’s hand on your life. Don’t let comfort rule over conviction. Don’t let feelings get in the way of faith. Don’t let pride get in the way of the Lordship of Christ. Don’t let the temporal get in the way of the eternal. Don’t let pleasing men replace pleasing God. Paul said, “We labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” Be resolved in your decisions and don’t tarry long.
Have a resolved God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 25-27