Friday, January 20, 2012

Mark 1:16-20 (NRSV)

Verse ¹⁶As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. Verse ¹⁷And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." Verse ¹⁸And immediately they left their nets and followed him. Verse ¹⁹As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Verse ²⁰Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Devotion

The word "immediately" (euthys) is used 17 times in Mark. Mark's immediacy poses a real challenge for me since I'm a procrastinator (a nice word for someone for whom the only thing done immediately is putting things off). Yet even the most laggardly of delayers will jump to dodge an emergency or grab hold of something wonderful. Just the point Mark is making. I've found in my own life that when I get—over and over again—what Jesus is all about, I just can't stay indifferent to joining his redeemed in following Him. And as immediately as my lower back allows.

Prayer

God of all time and times, make us instant in our response to your call to us, discerning of those occasions when it is you who are addressing us and responsive to those neighbors to whom you are directing us. Amen.

Owen Christianson Retired

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