They Shall Not Go Out in Haste, Nor Go By Flight – 3 Nephi 21:26-29

26 And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.
27 Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name.
28 Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance.
29 And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.
(3 Nephi 21:26-29)

When God freed the children of Israel from the Egyptians in the time of Moses, He told them to eat their Passover meal quickly, with their shoes on and with their staff in their hand (Exodus 12:11). They should not bother to leaven their bread, because there would be no time for it to rise (Exodus 12:34). After the final plague, they would not only be allowed to leave; they would be “thrust out” by the Egyptians (Exodus 12:39).

But in our day, Israel’s deliverance will be different. As the Savior teaches in the passage above, instead of being urgent and hurried, the gathering of the children of Israel will proceed steadily and confidently. Quoting Isaiah 52:12, He promises that they will “not go out in haste, nor go by flight.” He will lead the way and will provide protection.
I like the imagery of a person moving forward deliberately and fearlessly, knowing that they have the support to be successful. I like the thought that, even though the Lord is hastening His work in our day, it need not provoke a sense of anxiety or panic. God’s work can move consistently forward without His people feeling apprehensive or nervous.
Today, as I share the gospel and fulfill my duties, I will do so with confidence. I will seek to move the work of the Lord forward with the recognition that the work is His, and that if I am diligent, He will bless and magnify my efforts.

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