Sunday, May 1

Immediately 

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 51, Mark 1

Mark 1:16–20 As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Observation

Mark loved the Greek word euthus, usually translated “immediately.”  It is used 60 times in the New Testament—41 of those in Mark, 11 of them in the first chapter!  There is a sense of haste and immediacy in Mark’s writing.  It is the gospel of action, decision, immediacy. 

In 1:16-20, “immediately” is used of both the disciples leaving their nets to follow Jesus, and of Jesus calling the disciples.  It’s as though Mark is saying, “There is no time to waste!  The Kingdom of God is near.  Let’s get going.”  

Application

There is a time to hurry and a time to slow down.  

“Haste makes waste,” we say.  And on my motorcycle, one of my cardinal rules is “don’t be in a hurry.”  I’ve learned that hurried decisions on my bike are dangerous.  When I’m spending time with Jesus, I don’t want to be in a hurry.  Or when I’m talking with someone, I certainly don’t want to feel rushed (or want them to feel that way).  There are times to go slow.

And there are times to make a decision and move—immediately.  The disciples didn’t hesitate when Jesus called and neither should we.  When the Lord calls, respond—immediately.  

Sometimes I drag my feet because I’m not sure what the Lord wants or what is best.  That’s understandable.  But once I know, it’s “immediately time.”  Time to decide.  Time to move.  Time to obey.  Immediately.  

What has the Lord called you to do and you’ve been dragging your feet?

Prayer: Lord, help me to know with clarity what You are calling, and then follow Your lead immediately.