In the Gospel of Mark the words "immediately, or straightway" stands out due to Mark's frequent use of them. In the original Greek this is the same word, "eutheos." Let�s note a few examples.
Mk 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. Jesus' desire for us to follow Him is immediate. As our marquee presently states, "God says don't wait, Satan says procrastinate."
Mk 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
When Jesus had the opportunity to teach, He immediately took advantage of them. Mk 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?Jesus immediately knows our hearts. Most only know our actions or words, but Jesus knows the heart! What does He think about your heart?
Mk 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
The Pharisees hated Jesus' violations of their traditions of the Sabbath. They watched him heal on the Sabbath and immediately decided to murder Him! When Jesus' teachings violate our actions, thoughts or traditions, what is our immediate response?
Mk 4:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Some hear sermons and read the text of scriptures but immediately forget instead to take it to heart and use it (Mk 4:24). Others accept the Word of God but allow cares or riches to choke out the word and "immediately they stumble" (Mk 4:17).
Mk 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
The father of a convulsing child sought Jesus' healing. Jesus stated the importance of belief. The father's humility and desire for the Lord to help him grow was his immediate answer, "help my unbelief!" Let this be our fervent prayer!
Are your immediate actions, words, and intents of the heart dependant on God? Let's serve Him immediately! Don't wait!