In the quiet of night, an angel appeared to Joseph with urgent news: “Arise, take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt.” The next verse contains one of the most powerful examples of obedience in scripture: “When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt” (Matthew 2:13-14).
No questioning. No delay. No extensive preparation. Simply, “he arose.”
In our modern world of endless analysis and second-guessing, this immediate response to divine direction stands as a powerful example. Joseph’s swift obedience wasn’t just admirable—it was crucial. Had he delayed even until morning, the consequences could have been devastating.
Throughout scripture, we see this pattern of immediate obedience blessed by the Lord. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, “straightway they left their nets, and followed him” (Matthew 4:20). When the Lord commanded Nephi to build a ship, his response was immediate and unwavering: “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” (1 Nephi 3:7). When Mary received the overwhelming news that she would be the mother of the Savior, she responded without hesitation: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
These weren’t small requests. They required significant sacrifice, dramatic life changes, and tremendous faith. Yet in each case, the response was immediate.
Contrast this with those who hesitated. Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). The rich young ruler went away sorrowful when asked to sell all he had (Matthew 19:21-22). Even the would-be disciple who first wanted to bury his father received Christ’s stern reminder that following Him brooks no delay: “Let the dead bury their dead” (Matthew 8:22).
What promptings have we received that we’re still waiting to act on? What spiritual impressions have we filed away for “someday”? The pattern is clear: blessings follow immediate obedience.
President Russell M. Nelson has exemplified this principle throughout his ministry. He often speaks of waking in the night to write down inspiration, immediately recording and acting on divine guidance. This immediate response to spiritual promptings has characterized his prophetic leadership.
The Lord’s pattern is clear and consistent: when He speaks, the time to act is now. Like Joseph arising in the night, we too can experience the peace and protection that comes from immediate obedience. While the world counsels careful deliberation and endless analysis, faith often requires us to arise and act. As we develop this pattern of immediate response to divine guidance, we’ll find ourselves walking more surely on the covenant path, protected and directed by Him whose timing is perfect.
I testify that God honors those who honor Him through swift obedience. When we “arise” at His bidding, He will direct our paths and bring to pass His purposes in our lives, just as He did for Joseph so many years ago in that quiet night in Bethlehem.
Elder Linder 