Immediately

I’ve often thought of the Gospel of Mark as the “book of immediately.” This is a favorite term of the author when describing the actions of our Lord and those around him. In the first chapter alone, he uses it nine times in describing the launch of Jesus’ earthly ministry. I think his point is that that Jesus was on a mission and did not have time to waste.

Really, he didn’t. He had about three years to fulfil the work his Father had given him, to choose and disciple a handful of followers who would be his witnesses and establish the Church. To proclaim freedom to the captives and the nearness of God’s darkness-conquering Kingdom. And finally, to pay the price for sin and break its power through his death and resurrection. Three short years.

I am now sixty, and I’m hoping to retire this year. I’m not driven by a desire to leave my job as much as by a yearning to make the last years of this life count and to invest them as strategically as possible. So, I get the term “immediately.”

All Christ-followers should. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus told his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” All farmers know that when the harvest is ripe, time is of the essence. Our time on this stage is short, no matter our ages, and the harvest is ready. It won’t last forever.

Lord, ignite my heart and open my eyes to see the harvest of precious souls that need to be brought in. Use me, use all of us, your people. Wake us while there is still time. Then may we rejoice with full hearts when you return or call us home. Amen.

Go Deeper — What can you do “immediately” to help in the harvest of lost souls? Pray about it and ask God to show you where he can use you. Then, go do it in the Spirit’s strength.

Read Further — Here is an idea you can do immediately. Take a walk and pray for your neighborhood.