What Do l Do with the Word of the Lord?

When God speaks, how quickly do we respond? This powerful exploration of the Christmas narrative reveals a stunning pattern: immediate obedience. Mary went 'with haste' to Elizabeth after receiving the angel's message. The shepherds 'hurried off' to find the baby in the manger. Joseph 'arose and took' his family to Egypt the very night the angel warned him. What strikes us most is not just that they obeyed, but that they obeyed immediately—and their swift responses had eternal consequences. Mary's quick visit to Elizabeth resulted in John the Baptist being filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb, setting in motion his prophetic ministry. Joseph's midnight flight to Egypt saved the Messiah's life. We live in a world of instant gratification—two-minute drive-throughs and immediate information—yet when God speaks, we often hesitate, waiting for confirmation, convenience, or complete understanding. This message challenges us to treasure God's words as Mary did, pondering them in our hearts rather than treating them like disposable napkins. Whether the word comes directly through Scripture, through dreams like Joseph experienced, or through trusted members of our faith community, our responsibility remains the same: pray, test it against Scripture, bring it to community, and then act. Someone may be waiting on our obedience. The fulfillment of prophecy, the salvation of cities, even the filling of the Holy Spirit—all can hinge on whether we respond with haste or hesitation.