There is a hurry which is loose and disorderly, and there is a haste which is deliberate and commendable (compare Isaiah 28:16, with Luke 19:5-6).
1. A worshipping demoniac. "When he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him" (Mar 5:6). The demons, and the man whom they possessed, did homage to Christ. Christ is the Object of believers' worship.
2. An enthusiastic questioner. "There came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mar 10:17). Enthusiasm that is born of self-righteousness is worthless. It can ask questions, but it does not fulfil directions.
3. An earnest seeker. "He ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him" (Luk 19:4). A seeking sinner will always be discovered by the all-seeing Saviour. Mark the words, "to see Him," and "Jesus saw him."
4. A considerate man. "One ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar" (Mar 15:36). When this man heard the Saviour cry, he sought to relieve Him by moistening His lips with the sour wine (Mat 27:48; Mar 15:36; Jhn 19:29). Christ will remember the kindly action, as He remembers every cup of cold water given to Him and to His.
5. The loving father. "When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran," &c. (Luk 15:20). This is the only time in the Bible that we read of God being in haste. "He said," and it was done, in creation. "He ran" and welcomed the prodigal, in redemption.
6. The curious disciples. "They ran both together" (Jhn 20:4). Mary Magdalene proclaims that the tomb is empty, in which the body of Christ was laid. Peter and John cannot believe their ears, so they run to the sepulchre to see. Curiosity may lead to enquiry, enquiry to faith, faith to love, and love to work.
7. A diligent servant. "Philip ran thither to him" (Act 8:30). With an intensity born of the Holy Spirit, Philip hurried forward to point the eunuch to Christ the Sin-bearer.