RPG Adults
THE BELIEVER’S HASTE
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 10
Acts 9:17-22
Mark 1:17-18
“And straightway
they forsook their nets,
and followed him.”
THE BELIEVER’S HASTE
The words “immediately” (Acts 9:18) and “straightway” (Acts 9:20) come from the same Greek word which means “right away.” There is haste and speed in the action, not in carelessness but under the power and control of God. The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings against the sluggard, and slothful and lazy people. Such behaviour has no place in the ministry of the Lord. Mark repeatedly used this Greek word in his gospel to describe the servanthood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Immediately received sight: At first, Ananias was reluctant to go to Saul. The reason is obvious, but he heeded the Lord’s command. Immediately after Ananias told Saul of the Lord’s errand, scales fell from Saul’s eyes and his eyes were opened. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he submitted himself to water baptism. Then he partook of food, and he regained his strength. He remained with the disciples in Damascus, fellowshipping with likeminded brethren.
Straightway preached Christ: Saul did not delay starting the work which God had entrusted to him. Immediately he proclaimed the gospel. It was not difficult for Saul to preach the message, for it was repeatedly recorded in the Old Testament, and he was a scholar of it. One thing that he had to prove then was that the Messiah which the prophets of old foretold was Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom the Jews had crucified but was raised again from the dead. The people must have been amazed to see the immediate turn-around of Saul’s theological discourse.
Immediately after salvation, we want to know more of His will by reading God’s Word and by communing with Him in prayer. We want to fulfil all righteousness and be baptised in order to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We desire to worship God and fellowship with believers that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What is happening now? Where is the haste in fulfilling His will and declaring His Word? Let us not delay. Let us do it right away!
THOUGHT: Am I qualified to serve the Lord?
PRAYER: O Master, grant me the strength to fulfil my tasks.