In the fall of 2003, a string of wildfires claimed two dozen lives in the US. The flames had spread fast, and firefighters begged people to leave their homes in Southern California. But many hesitated. Some wanted to take the time to pack clothes, while others wanted to battle the inferno with garden hoses.
One man frantically tried to warn his neighbors, only to have them disregard his words. Later, he told of those who had attempted to save possessions like televisions and computers before escaping. Those who listened to the warnings and left the area lived. Sadly, the ones who hesitated and didn’t listen perished in the flames.
Hesitation proved to be fatal for a close member of Lot’s immediate family. God used angels to warn Lot of the imminent destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and instructed him to warn his relatives (Genesis 19:12). The fiancés of Lot’s daughters didn’t take the situation seriously. Even Lot hesitated and had to be tugged out of the city by the angels (Genesis 19:16). The fate of Lot’s wife was different, however. She disobeyed—hesitating and looking back longingly for what she was leaving behind. The result of her hesitancy and disobedience was tragic; she was transformed into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).
One of the responsibilities of a follower of Jesus is obedience—following Jesus without hesitation. As Jesus said, “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me” (John 14:21). Life and blessing are found in leaving excuses and worldly affections behind as we follow Jesus and proclaim the reign of God. He provides what we need to faithfully follow Him without hesitation.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 3:1-21
More:
Read Acts 10:14-21 and discover someone else who hesitated in his obedience. What caused him to do the right thing?
Next:
When do you tend to hesitate in your obedience to God? What does our hesitation reveal about our view of Him and His commands?
praise the lord on June 19, 2015 at 5:52 pm
Hi Marvin,
I found myself reviewing the complaining that went on in the desert with the Israelites. When I first came to know the Lord, I heard a teaching on how they wandered the desert for 40 years because of there complaining. And maybe as unbelieveable as it sounds I never realized it was a sin. And i was an expert complainer. Sorry I digress. Numbers 11:1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched. Abraham prayed for Lot before Sodom was destroyed. Moses was asked to pray and it was done after the sin took place.
They were longing for Egypt and saying they preferred death. Lot’s wife said nothing but she became a pillar of salt she must have been longing for Sodom and Gomorrah. Acts 10:14 Peter was not longing for something sinful he was trying to understand something. What does hesitation reveal about our view of Him and His commands? Fear of man causes paralysis. Fear of God causes boldness. I have been on both ends of the fear. Fear of not doing it right. There is the I don’t want to change thank you very much but I am happy at being unforgiving or whatever the sin may be. Disobedience! Sometimes fear that He is not going to show up. The lack of trust. We take our big God and do shrink Him. These are not just suggestion. I can assure you I have been guilty of them all. I am so glad He has not turned me into a pillar of salt and very grateful that I can repent and that I can be forgiven.