Immediately!

November, 2023 – Faithful Living ~

The Apostle Mark must have loved the word immediately. According to “Got Questions,” “The word translated as ‘immediately’ (eutheōs [yoo-theh’-oce] in Greek) means without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening; soon; directly.” It is sometimes rendered as, “straight away, suddenly, and at once.”

Some sources say that the New Testament records the adverb ‘immediately’ over 60 times and Mark or John Mark as he was also referred to, uses it over 40 times. That’s pretty incredible.

This Disciple does not mess around with frivolities. He gets right down to it. Why the urgency? The simple truth for Mark, I believe, is that Jesus radically changed his personal life trajectory. He wastes no time in describing what he has seen, heard and witnessed. This written in-person account infers a desperate plea to his listeners and readers of the first century church, and even to the present day…to quickly respond to what the Lord has done for you.

Mark’s words do not illicit a slow or methodical acknowledgement. My Mother would say, “Don’t dillydally!” This tactic is used effectively by the Apostle. He can’t hold it in. He needs to express what he has experienced from simply hanging out with the Master. With characters inscribed on papyrus or parchments, to pottery, wood and stone…the Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament and frankly the entire compendium of the 66 biblical books, testify to the manifold goodness of the Lord—How He was revealed in the past, how He continues to make Himself known in the present, and as Buzz Lightyear of the movie Toy Story coined the phrase, “To infinity and beyond!”

Imagine you lived back in that biblical time as a follower and companion of Jesus. How would you describe the events that you witnessed? What feelings and emotions would make the cut? Could you adequately explain what you were seeing with your own eyes?

OK, so we didn’t share those three years with Jesus…but for those who have placed their faith, hope and trust in Christ, we nevertheless have a story to tell, my friends.

What story? The story of how Jesus has resoundingly changed our lives. You can share what it was like before Him and what life has been with our Lord after you made the biggest decision of your earthly life.

Maybe you will be the only person a friend, family or complete stranger will see and hear who represents the truest imprint of the Lord in this life. Why? Because the Holy Spirit within you makes us one with the Father and the Son.

The truth is, many people will die today. World Population Review indicates that in 2023, a little over 166,000 people will die each day, almost 7000 per hour, 116 per minute and about 1.93 every second. Very sobering.

Maybe you’re thinking, “But, I don’t know what to say.” Let me respond by saying, “I can’t tell your story because it belongs to you. Who is better equipped to share it? That’s right, only you.”

Your ‘testimony’ needs to be direct, sincere and truthful. Here’s something special, no one has a story like yours. It is unique and one-of-a-kind, just like your fingerprints. Why would you leave your story hidden under a bushel, locked in the basement or to yourself? Everyone loves a story!

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately [emphasis mine] they left their boats and followed him. Mark 1: 17-18 ESV

So, bait [your personal story] the hook and drop the line in the water. If the fish aren’t biting, don’t get discouraged. Keep fishing. The Lord gets all the credit for saving souls. It’s not our job, but Jesus calls us to fish regardless. Fear not, for Jesus is with you and He will give you the proper words to say [see Mark 13] at just the right time. Trust Him. He will never let you down.
Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, “Didn’t we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.” Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.” Acts 5: 27-32 MSG
If you have a ticket to paradise, which actually begins the moment you accepted Christ personally, then start fishing! Tell others how gracious the Lord has been with you. Acting immediately means now, without thinking about it. Forthwith ladies and gentlemen!

Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.
1 Peter 3:15 MSG

What a privilege it is to make Jesus known to the world. This Great Commission is a call to everyone who loves the hope they have in the eternal Living One, our Messiah!