Straightway, Immediately, and Forthwith

Mark 1

In late 2003 or early 2004, I took a Synoptic Gospels course in college. The emphasis was on the book of Mark and I learned some things that I have stuck with me. The first is that Mark presents Jesus as the "Suffering Servant". Servant is another word for slave and a slave's ancestry was not important, so we do not have a genealogy for Jesus, or a record of his birth. I also learned that a servant is to obey the commands of his master. Thus, we see slave language in Mark's account. One of the most obvious examples of this is the use of words like "immediately" and "straightway". Words like this are used 11 times in the first chapter alone.

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And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

Mark 1:21

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There was an urgency about what Jesus was doing. He made meaningful contact with people. He cared for their needs and taught them clearly. However, he did not waste time. He knew he only had 3 1/2 years. He knew because He was/is God and this was/is His plan. If the eternal God has an urgency for the redeeming of mankind, shouldn't we also?

Jesus knew the time constraints he was under; we don't. Jesus knew when he could afford to goof off, but didn't. I'm not saying that every single moment of every single day was nothing but praying and teaching. What I am saying is that everything He did was meaningful. Even if He joked around with His disciples, there was a purpose for it. If nothing else, it was relational and fellowship which is important in a church. It wasn't crude or vulgar. It did nothing to detract from His mission, but rather would have edified the Father and His disciples.

How much more should we work an not wasting time in our lives because we do not know how much time we have. This should motivate us to make the most of what time we have. All we have is now. We should be busy about preaching, helping, good works, and praying. It is ok to laugh and joke with our friends, especially our church friends, but we should make sure that it is God honoring. Also, like Jesus, when we feel the leading of the Holy Spirit to go and do something he commands us to do, we should do it "immediately", "forthwith", and straightway".

Father, I have wasted so much time. Help me to be a faithful servant to you. May I make the most of the time you give me, however long that may be. May my life glorify you!