THE NEED FOR SPEED
One does not need to take a year to make a decision that could have been made in a day. A decision to serve God need not take one year.
THE NEED FOR SPEED
Luke 19:4 He ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree
At times, it is necessary to move quickly. Some matters are so urgent that a missed opportunity may mean failure or loss.
Action
Because Zacchaeus knew his limitations, he had to be faster than the competition (Luke 19:1-4). Jesus had to help a man who, for 38 years, was not fast enough to be healed (John 5:1-8). Some individuals believe that they need to evaluate a situation considerably before they make a decision and invariably make none (Luke 14:28-32).
Reason
Nothing is more important than seeing Jesus (1 John 3:2). We follow peace and holiness because we want to see our Lord (Hebrews 12:14). For us, seeing Jesus means salvation. While Jesus was on earth, many people wanted to see him for various reasons (Luke 19:3, John 6:13-15, 12:20-21). Herod wanted to see him perform miracles (Luke 23:8). Christians are waiting to see Jesus as he returns for his church (Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Ephesians 5:25-27).
Season
No one knows the hour of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:35-39, Mark 13:32). Those who claim to know when the Lord will return and have made prophecies in that regard, have all failed (Deuteronomy 18:22). Instead of trying to predict the time of Christ coming, we should prepare to meet him (Matthew 24:42 Amos 4:12). This is precisely what Zachaeus did (Luke 19:1-4).
Lesson
Let us therefore treat our salvation with urgency (Luke 19:4-6, 2 Corinthians 6:2, James 4:13-15). Those outside of Christ must believe, repent, confess Jesus as Christ, and be baptized (Romans 10:9-10, 14-15, Acts 2:38). Those in Christ must continue in the faith (Acts 2:42, Colossians 1:22-23). Ananias asked Saul a very important question, Why tarriest thou? (Acts 22:16). Do you have a good reason to stay outside of Christ? (Ephesians 1:3, 2 Timothy 2:1).