A message I shared recently at one of our local Devonport Church gatherings…
We live in a world that seems to be in constant hurry, always rushing from one task to the next. We’re in a culture fixated on immediate results and relentless achievement. Delays are often perceived as hurdles to be conquered rather than chances for tranquillity and reflection. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that many of us find ourselves amidst an anxiety epidemic, yearning for moments of calm.
But what if delays were not inconveniences but gifts?
In Luke 19, we read,
“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up…”
Let’s pray.
Lord, today, help us not to be in such a hurry in life that we miss the moments to stop and look up. Speak to our hearts this morning as we share some thoughts together and learn from your example. Holy Spirit, change and adjust our lives.
In Jesus name, we pray 🙏
Amen
Who remembers COVID? 😃
The COVID era brought an unexpected slowdown to our frantic lives. During this time, I read “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer. This book, written just before the pandemic, became a beacon of wisdom for many, including myself. It confirmed and crystallised thoughts I had been pondering for some time.
During the pandemic, when delays were inevitable and life slowed down, it was easy to embrace the principles outlined in Comer’s book. Living with less hurry seemed almost effortless.
However, Comer didn’t intend for his book to be applicable only during extraordinary circumstances.
These insights delve deeply into the impacts of hurry and the speed of life, moving beyond the superficial layers of existence to explore all aspects of how we live. They emphasise the importance of nurturing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, one that transcends the frenetic pace of modern life..
In the stillness of contemplation and prayer, we should find solace and strength, anchoring ourselves to a source of unwavering peace amidst life’s turbulence. Because they will be there.
It’s only through this deeper communion and relationship with Jesus that we discover our sense of purpose and belonging, enabling us to navigate the challenges of each day with grace and resilience.
It is in this place we again discover that delay is not a painful inconvenience; it’s a precious gift.
Distinguishing busy from hurry
In “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” Comer makes a distinction between being busy and being in a hurry.
Jesus was often busy, engaged in meaningful work and interactions, but He was never in a hurry.
This contrast shows that busyness isn’t necessarily negative; it’s the hurried, frenetic pace that disrupts our spiritual and emotional health.
As I have processed this personally over the years, I am beginning to understand more deeply that hurry is incompatible with the way of Jesus. The core virtues of Jesus’ kingdom—love, joy, and peace—cannot thrive in a life dominated by speed and urgency. By eliminating hurry, we can align our lives more closely with Jesus’ example, allowing ourselves to be fully present and emotionally healthy.
Comer makes the statement…
“The problem isn’t when you have a lot to do; it’s when you have too much to do and the only way to keep the quota up is to hurry.”
This brings us back to the beauty of delay.
We must shift our perspective and embrace the beauty of living with margin. Instead of rushing from one task to the next, let’s cultivate a mindset of intentionality and awareness of what’s happening around us. By doing so, we can alleviate the stress and anxiety that accompany a life lived in perpetual haste. May we all, including myself, heed the wisdom of embracing delay, not as a hindrance, but as a pathway to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
We must shift our perspective and embrace the beauty of living with margin.
Sharing a personal story and testimony…
I once took a drive to Hobart via the Lakes Highway, aiming to make it to an important meeting. On the way, I made a quick stop at Bothwell to use the restroom, despite already running a bit late. Interestingly, a man who had been following me from Miena also stopped behind me for the same reason. We ended up chatting, and he seemed eager for conversation.
When he asked what I did, I told him about my work with Loaves and Fishes Tasmania. He revealed that he was a paramedic and mentioned how he frequently encountered people suffering from malnutrition. He appreciated and was familiar with our work, which led to a brief but meaningful exchange before we parted ways. Though the conversation delayed me further, I later discovered that my appointment in Hobart was running late anyway.
Fast forward almost 18 months, and our office received a call. The message was from the man I had met in Bothwell. He remembered my name as Andrew and wanted to speak with me.
We arranged a meeting, and he came to see me. During our conversation, amongst chatting through other special things, he generously provided a significant and ongoing donation to Loaves and Fishes Tasmania because he believed in what we do. This chance encounter turned out to be incredibly beneficial, not only for our organisation but also for me personally, as he has since become a great friend.
What if delay, unbeknownst to us, is a precious gift? And I’m not just talking about money; maybe it’s the opportunity for relationship and connection that can impact our lives in ways beyond what we imagine.
Now let’s go back to the spot where Jesus reached and looked up, it was Jesus’ interaction with a man named Zacchaeus.
Jesus demonstrates a life lived without hurry. Despite his attention, fame and the pressing needs of the crowds around him, Jesus takes the time to notice Zacchaeus, a tax collector, a despised person, who had climbed a tree to see him.
We learn so much from both Jesus and Zaccheaues, about the hurry of life and how delay is a precious gift, let’s look at Jesus first, we will go back to verse 5 that one I quoted in part earlier….
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5
1 – We need to STOP for connection
(Luke 19:5)
Despite the crowd and the busyness surrounding Him, Jesus stopped, looked up, and called Zacchaeus by name, inviting Himself to his house. This act of attentiveness shows Jesus’ ability to focus on individuals amidst the rush, prioritising personal connection over the demands of the crowd. Jesus demonstrates that true attentiveness involves seeing and acknowledging those who might otherwise be overlooked.
In our own lives, we can follow His example by taking moments to truly see and engage with those around us, even when we’re busy. In maybe a delay of inconvenience, it may be a delay of challenge and wait….. expand
2 – Deeper desires amidst the pressures of hurry
(Luke 19:1-4)
Now let’s focus for a moment on Zacchaeus, what do we observe through his encounter with Jesus…
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19.1-4
Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, despite this he was eager to see Jesus but faced the obstacle of his short stature. Determined, he climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse. This moment illustrates how, even in our hectic lives, there is a deep yearning to find meaning and connection. Zacchaeus’ act of climbing the tree symbolises our own efforts to rise above the chaos and seek out what truly matters.
3 – Hurry will always be the expected
(Luke 19:6-7)
We read in verse 6, after Jesus had invited himself in Zacchaeus house… 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Luke 19:6-7
Zacchaeus joyfully welcomed Jesus into his home, while the crowd grumbled, upset that Jesus was associating with a known sinner. This reaction highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal transformation. Zacchaeus’ joy and willingness to host Jesus demonstrate the profound impact of being seen and valued. The crowd’s grumbling reflects how society often hurries to judge, missing the opportunity for deeper connection and understanding. By slowing down and prioritising meaningful interactions, we can break free from societal pressures and experience true joy and transformation.
4 – Beyond hurry, Transformation awaits
(Luke 19:8)
Transformation was for the delayer and the delayed.
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Luke 19:8
Inspired by Jesus’ attentiveness and acceptance, Zacchaeus stood up and vowed to give half his wealth to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times over. This profound transformation shows the power of living attentively and with purpose. Zacchaeus’ decision to make amends and act generously was a direct result of feeling truly seen and valued by Jesus. His story reminds us that when we slow down and engage deeply with others, we create space for genuine change and growth in ourselves and those we encounter.
Jesus’ Declaration
(Luke 19:9-10)
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:9-10
Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ home, emphasising His mission to seek and save the lost. His deliberate and unhurried approach to Zacchaeus highlights the importance of slowing down and focusing on meaningful, personal interactions. Jesus’ declaration reaffirms that transformation and salvation come through intentional, attentive living. In our fast-paced world, we are called to slow down, embrace delays, and cherish the opportunities to connect deeply with others, following Jesus’ example of compassion and attentiveness.
Call to Action
Let’s make a conscious decision today to embrace delay as a gift. Reflect on the moments in your life where you can slow down and be more attentive. Seek out opportunities for meaningful connections, whether with friends, family, or strangers. Prioritise moments of stillness and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you. By doing so, we can experience the profound peace and fulfilment that comes from living a life unhurried, following the example of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, help us to slow down and embrace the gift of delay. Teach us to see the opportunities for connection and transformation in the midst of our busy lives. Guide us to live attentively and purposefully, following Your example.
In Jesus’ name, we pray 🙏
Amen.