I once heard a minister I dig named Troy speak on Exodus chapter 8. He keyed in on one word and I thought it was brilliant. The word? "Tomorrow."
That was Pharaoh's response when Moses told him:
"I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile."
Tomorrow, Pharaoh said. Sure, I see that my house and my land are flooded with frogs. I see that every flat surface is dripping with the sticky grossness of frogs. I know how miserable it is making me and my people, but I'll go ahead and take another night of that. Why don't you pray tomorrow Moses?
That is ridiculous, but not that unique. How often have I been presented with the end to a problem, with a clear exit to some sin I have entangled myself in but instead of saying, "yes, right now would be the perfect time to get rid of my frogs," I say, "one more night, one more weekend is all I need. After that, I'll be ready."
I don't know why we do that. Maybe tomorrow is easy and tonight feels impossible. Maybe tomorrow is seductive and far away and tonight is close and difficult. Maybe we think one last night will be enough of whatever it is that we don’t want to let go of. But it never is. Tomorrow is such a slippery time frame and it always shape shifts and stretches into next week, next month or next year if we take our eyes off it.
Maybe like so many other words, we need to retire "tomorrow" and give God today. Maybe it's time to kiss frogs goodbye.
Monday, August 25, 2008
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18 comments:
And isn't it something how we ALL have frogs? Even the most religious and conservative--no drinking, smoking or drug frogs. But what about food, TV, or internet frogs? We all have frogs. So hard to give up. But all the same.
Great post!
True. Thanks for the post!
i think tomorrow gives me an out. i can tell myself i'll do it tomorrow and find peace, even when things are terrible around me. so does that mean hope can be greater than reality?
Really nice post. I thank you although my frogs seem to be a little upset.
This is so true all all of us. I recently found your blog through a friend's blog... Thank you for writing such meaningful posts that honor the Lord.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1559942290/ref=sib_dp_pop_fc?ie=UTF8&p=S001#reader-link
Thats so true.
thanks for that.
This really spoke to me. Thank you.
I've been thinking all week, "I'll deal with it tomorrow". I'm not talking about some sin though, but getting something for my son for his birthday, and guess what, tomorrow has yet to come and procrastination is about to come back to bite me, just like putting off dealing with something God has been telling us does. Funny, I woulda never associated real life with Exodus like that.
Wow and thank you! I have several "tomorrows" that need to become today. My delayed obedience well summed up is still disobedience.
I like how you think. I relate well to what you have to say. A friend led me to one of your blogs, and I stumbled around reading here and there. I seem to like this blog the most. I too want to make a difference for someone. Thanks for sharing your walk with God. Plenty of great food for thought here.
i've been reading your blog for a while now. you write some great stuff, but this one really hit home for me. i have to echo what one of your other readers said ... i liked it, but my frogs are upset. the truth sure hurts sometimes. i'm always saying "tomorrow" ... to my wife, my kids, my work, and to God. i think my procrastination in itself has become a sin. thanks for your insight.
Great post Jon.
you don't know me.... i love these.... you've slowed down. =) i'm going through with drawls.
Hey Jon.
We miss you out here. what is going on ? I see that your SCL site is still moving but this one seems to have taken a slump. Are you ok ?
Exactly what I needed to hear. God is working through you in amazing ways.
When will 97seconds pick back up?
I remember reading John Ortberg say, "Will you be having frogs with that?" I think in "God is Closer than you think"
So true. Tomorrow is seductive. God help us to live today.
Missing the commentary.
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