Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4900 Time » 4924 delay » 4926 delay, human
Human delay is often the result of fear, indecision or disobedience to God. Scripture indicates that delay is to be avoided.
Examples of delay as a result of fear
Israel entering the promised land
Numbers 13:31-32 See also Numbers 13:1-3,17-20,27-30; Numbers 14:33-35
Gideon responding to God's call
Judges 6:36-40
Examples of delay as a result of disobedience
Lot escaping from Sodom
Genesis 19:16 See also Genesis 19:12-15
Jonah going to Nineveh
Jonah 1:3 See also Psalm 119:60; Jonah 1:1-2; Jonah 3:1-3 Jonah obeyed the second time.
Nothing should delay believers from following Jesus Christ
Matthew 8:21-22 pp Luke 9:59-60 See also Matthew 9:9; Mark 1:20; Luke 14:15-24; Luke 19:5-6
People should not delay in the matter of salvation
Isaiah 55:6 See also Amos 6:3; Acts 24:24-26; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 2:3
Believers are not to delay in fulfilling their vows to God and obligations to others
Ecclesiastes 5:4 See also Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 23:21; Psalm 61:8
Examples of human responses to delay
Sarah's wrong response brought trouble
Genesis 16:1-6
Saul's wrong response cost him the kingship
1 Samuel 13:11-12 See also 1 Samuel 13:8-10,13-14
Jacob responded with patience
Genesis 29:20-30
Paul responded by giving instructions to Timothy
1 Timothy 3:14-15
Daniel responded by praying
Daniel 9:19 See also Daniel 9:1-23; Daniel 10:10-13 Gabriel explains the reason for the delay.
David reponded by calling on the LORD
Psalm 13:1; Psalm 40:17; Psalm 141:1
See also
5877 hesitation 6510 salvation 8114 discipleship 8120 following Christ 8160 seeking God 8318 patience 8489 urgency 8602 prayer 8718 disobedience 8754 fear
