Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:14-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
Verse 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
Devotion
That word “immediately” catches our hearts, doesn’t it? Mark writes that, in response to Jesus’call, Simon and Andrew “immediately” leave their nets to follow. It can be intimidating to consider such an “immediate” response. Interestingly, in the call of James and John, the immediacy refers to Jesus calling them.
The good news of the Kingdom that Jesus proclaims bears great urgency, an insistence. As Mark tells the story, his use of the word immediately, especially at the beginning of his gospel, makes Jesus’ determination to highlight the coming of the reign of God almost palpable. As this call echoes through the ages, the disciples stand as an example for us, following immediately and leaving all behind.
In his Small Catechism Martin Luther teaches that the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, and enlightens us. Jesus’ call invites a response, and with the disciples, we find that the gospel encompasses our entire lives, sending us to serve with joy.
Prayer
O God, in the many ways we respond to your call, may you so work in us that we might grow in grace and find delight in you and in one another. Amen.