Not So Alarming

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
(Hebrews 3:15, quoting Psalm 95:7-8)

On a recent flight, I found myself thumbing through the shopping catalog I found in the seat-back pocket in front of me. You know, the one tucked between the airline magazine and the barf bag. The one full of products that you never knew existed and are now convinced you couldn’t possibly live without.
And on this particular flight, I discovered what my incomplete life had been missing: the gentle progression gradual wake-up alarm clock. It had obvious appeal, promising to wake me up gently and gradually using the beautiful sounds of the Tibetan singing bowl while emitting a slow, warming glow into the sleeper’s chambers, reminiscent of a serene mountain sunrise. (Don’t lie — you’re intrigued now too, aren’t you?)
But then it occurred to me: Doesn’t this kind of defeat the purpose of an alarm clock? Isn’t the alarm supposed to be rousing, not calming? Shouldn’t it command our attention and require a response?
Many of us want the gentle progression version of pursuing Jesus. We’re okay with pursuing His plan for our lives as long as He allows us to adjust to it gradually. As long as it isn’t too shocking or uncomfortable. As long as He doesn’t demand an immediate response or drastic action. We’ll say yes to Jesus, but only after we’ve hit the snooze button a few times.
But the gentler the alarm, the harder it can be for us to hear. The longer we put it off, the harder it is for us to respond. Eventually, we may find that we just sleep right through it. What Jesus asks is often challenging and uncomfortable. It will interrupt our routine and call us to action. Why not jump up and go ahead and get moving?
Fortunately, He loves each one of us enough to keep sounding the alarm even when we grow deaf to it. But why wait for something more shocking to happen before we respond with obedience? The time is now and the day is today. Say yes to whatever He’s asking you to do.

Pursuing Today
What has Jesus asked you to do that you have been putting off? What mission has He called you to that you are reluctant to accept? What change have you been hesitant to make? Check into that mission trip; sign up for that small group or Bible study; walk across the street and meet your new neighbor; pick up the phone and volunteer at the shelter, etc. Today.