I will not eat until I have told my errand
William MacDonald emphasizes the Christian's urgent mission to faithfully and earnestly fulfill God's calling without delay or distraction.
In this devotional sermon, William MacDonald calls believers to embrace a spirit of urgency in fulfilling their God-given mission. Drawing from biblical examples and inspiring quotes, he challenges Christians to prioritize their calling with earnestness and focus. MacDonald reminds listeners that like Jesus and the Apostle Paul, they must press forward without delay to glorify God and reach souls.
Text
“I will not eat until I have told my errand.” (Gen. 24:33)
Just as Abraham’s servant had a sense of urgency in connection with his mission, so should we. This does not mean we must race around in all directions at once. It does not mean that we must do everything in nervous haste. But it does mean that we should give ourselves to the task before us as a matter of top priority.
We should adopt the attitude expressed in Robert Frost’s lines:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep.
Amy Carmichael captured the spirit when she wrote: “The vows of God are on me. I may not stay to play with shadows or pluck earthly flowers till I my work have done and rendered up an account.”
In another place, she wrote:
Only twelve short hours—O never
Let the sense of urgency
Die in us, Good Shepherd, ever
Let us search the hills with Thee.
It is said that Charles Simeon kept a picture of Henry Martyn in his study, and that everywhere he went in the room, it seemed that Martyn was looking at him and saying, “Be earnest, be earnest; don’t trifle, don’t trifle.” And Simeon would reply, “Yes, I will be in earnest; I will, I will be in earnest; I will not trifle, for souls are perishing, and Jesus is to be glorified.”
Hear the urgency in the words of the intrepid Apostle Paul: “This one thing I do… I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13, 14).
And did not our blessed Savior live with a sense of urgency. He said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished” (Luke 12:50).
There is no excuse for Christians to rest on their oars.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The example of Abraham’s servant and his urgency
- The importance of prioritizing the mission
- Avoiding nervous haste but maintaining focus
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II
- Inspirational quotes capturing the spirit of urgency
- Amy Carmichael’s commitment to God’s vows
- Charles Simeon’s reminder from Henry Martyn
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III
- The Apostle Paul’s pressing toward the prize
- Jesus’ own sense of urgency in His mission
- The call for Christians to not rest or delay
Key Quotes
“I will not eat until I have told my errand.” — William MacDonald
“This one thing I do… I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — William MacDonald
“There is no excuse for Christians to rest on their oars.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Prioritize your spiritual mission above personal comfort or delay.
- Maintain focused dedication without rushing anxiously.
- Remember the eternal significance of your calling to motivate faithful service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'I will not eat until I have told my errand' mean?
It expresses a determined commitment to complete the mission before attending to personal needs.
Why is urgency important in Christian service?
Because souls are perishing and God's calling requires immediate and faithful action.
Does urgency mean rushing or being anxious?
No, it means prioritizing the task with focused dedication, not nervous haste.
How did biblical figures demonstrate urgency?
Abraham’s servant, Apostle Paul, and Jesus all showed a focused and pressing commitment to their divine tasks.
How can I cultivate a sense of urgency in my spiritual life?
By remembering the eternal importance of the mission and committing daily to faithful service.