ON YOUR MARK: WEEK 1 DAY 3

MARK 1:14-20

JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” JESUS CALLS THE FIRST DISCIPLES 16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

“Immediately.” Who in your life has the authority to make you respond immediately? Your mom or dad? Your coach? Your boss? Immediately doesn’t leave room for pondering, or wrapping up one more thing. Immediately doesn’t allow for “just a minute.” In this passage, Jesus called and the disciples responded quickly and with action. They didn’t say, “Let me think about what Jesus said, maybe read a few books on it, and then see if my friends think it's a good idea.” No, the disciples acted in obedience immediately!

What about us? When we read a direction or command in the Bible, how long is our response time? When the Holy Spirit directs your heart, how long do you wait before you act? The problem is delayed obedience often becomes disobedience. How must you obey today?