The Spirit of Hurry

We do it every day. We get in a hurry. To get kids to school, get to work, to meet a deadline, get out of the grocery store as quickly as possible, get home, get as much done as we can before bed, all to repeat it again the next day. We also avoid people, places, and things that we think would slow us down. If hurry was a sin, I would be in big trouble. All of us would. In Acts 20:16, Paul is in a hurry to get from one place to another. He wants to make it home for the holiday. He doesn't want to stop and visit anywhere else. Nope, no time for that. Sound familiar? But, this verse does NOT mean what it seems to. The Bible is pretty awesome like that. So many curveballs get thrown and Jesus is the MVP every time. Most verses take on different meanings when they are read in context of the whole chapter instead of individually.

When we skip down a few verses, we see the real reason Paul was rushing. He says to the Ephesians, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again." Acts 20:22-25

The Holy Spirit told him to hurry. And he did. No questions asked. Even though he was pretty certain that it wouldn't be a pleasant trip for him, since the people there were pretty outraged with him and really wanted to throw him in jail (again), oh and flog probably close to forty new scars into his back. He also knew he was saying goodbye to this group of friends that he dearly loved, for the last time. And he still hurried, making his priority obeying the Spirit and continuing in his mission from God. Not even his own welfare and life were of greater importance to him.

This is the same guy that was previously named Saul, who hunted and murdered Christians in cold blood. This is a testimony of the greatness and power of God our Father and Jesus Christ. Only the power and love of God and Jesus can make that kind of a change in a human being. It's not in our nature. It's not in our capability. But it is His nature, and He is more than capable of changing us in the same way. We just have to surrender (for real surrender) and ask in faith. This is not a timid prayer. It's a God sized prayer. And He loves it when we pray those kinds of prayers.

Reflection:

What causes you to hurry the most?

How do you feel, what is your attitude when you hurry?

Do you follow the promptings of the Spirit with the same sense of urgency?

What do you think your life would look like if you were to prioritize God's will and calling the same way Paul did?

Read. Reflect. Pray. Obey. Repeat.