The Importance of "Immediately"

With summer ending and school quickly approaching, teachers everywhere are readying their classrooms, organizing lesson plans, and gearing up for another year of lecturing and learning. As a former teacher I can remember all of the anticipation of the first day of school. Most students would walk in the classroom with an oversized backpack while looking up at me as they entered with curious and anxious eyes as if to say, “Uh oh, a man!” I had numerous exceptional students and those six years presented to me my own learning curve in life.

But there was one thing that I never really grew accustomed to, as a teacher and classroom manager. For some it may seem trivial with all of the other possible problems that a classroom full of twenty- five sixth graders could conceivably do. But this one thing was usually met with a rather forward and displeased retort from myself. When I would tell a student to do something whether it was to pick up their supplies, clean their desk, or turn in a paper; I expected immediate action. If the student lingered, especially out of what appeared to be apathy, laziness, or disdain, I would find myself pretty frustrated and give a very quick and stern response. You see the problem was that numerous episodes of lingering students could add up to more than an hour of wasted instruction time for that day. My classroom required immediate action when instructed, because time was precious and it could not be wasted.

            In the book of Mark and I am struck by how many times the author uses the word “immediately” in reference to either the action of Jesus or the response of those who encounter him. Below are just a few examples from chapter one:

“And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn                         open…” vs. 10

“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness…” vs. 12

“And immediately they left their nets to follow him.” vs. 18

“And immediately he called them and they left their father Zebedee…” vs. 20

“And immediately on the Sabbath, he entered the synagogue…” vs. 21

“And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.” vs. 42

Mark speaks to us with an emphasized urgency, highlighting the practice and presence of Jesus. In contrast, I often catch myself lingering at the thought of approaching God in prayer or worship. After having spent focused time with him, I wonder why I was so hesitant in my initial approach. But Mark reminds us that the urgency of Jesus’ work is an example for us in which we are empowered to reflect on our own daily mission. In that reflection, let us approach the presence of God with the same immediacy as that of our Lord Jesus.

Pastor John