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Week 15–Day 1–Urgent but lingering!

Scripture reading for April 6: Genesis 19:14-17 “So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting. As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.”

First responders are always conscious of time. When the call comes for someone in urgent need, we are aware that time is of the essence. Several months ago, our department received a call of a terrible wreck with overturned vehicle, entrapment, and vehicle fire with possible casualties. I was only five miles from the scene and quickly sped to the station, meeting two other responders there as well. Praying as we headed out, we knew we needed God’s help and wise use of our time. It was certainly not a time to linger!

In the story from today’s Scripture, God had sent angels to warn Lot of coming judgment by fire on the city where he lived. It was urgent that Lot gather his family and get out quickly. Lot went to his sons-in-law and urged them to leave. They thought he was joking and did not move. Lot waited until morning and the angels urged him to take his wife and two daughters and leave quickly. The tragedy is that Lot lingered in spite of the warning of imminent danger. God, in His amazing mercy, had the angels grab Lot and his daughter’s hands and physically brought them out of the city. As they headed out, fire and brimstone was falling on the city. Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt! Genesis 19:26.

This story stands as a warning to all believers to heed God’s warnings immediately. We must maintain a sense of urgency to save our lives and that of our family. Timely response indicates faith which pleases God. Lingering indicates unbelief which is a sin leading to death.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the warning of Scripture concerning our need for timely action on Your Word. Help us as responders to act in a timely manner and also to warn those in danger of their need to escape before it’s too late. Amen.