Mark 1:16-20 – “As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” ¹⁸ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. ^{19 Going on a little farther, He saw James, t}he son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. ²⁰ Immediately, He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and went away to follow Him.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, I was drawn to reflect on a word used repeatedly in Mark 1 and 2.   The word “immediately” captured my attention.  How often do we hear a word and then delay?   How often do we have an impression and then delay?  What does our hesitation say to God, others, and ourselves?

Waiting on God is important, but upon hearing from God, there is no place for hesitation.  The only hesitation allowed is when the word is “Wait.”  Our hesitation is often rooted in our doubt.  We are not convinced God said it. We are not convinced people will accept it.  We are not convinced we can do it.  We make everything external rather than trusting the Christ IN us and the Holy Spirit who anoints us.

A side note that is revelatory is that the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom.  Access to the Holy of Holies was now open to everyone.  Access to God’s inner sanctuary was now for whosoever will.  It came from the top to the bottom. The old was finished, and the new began.

If we grasp the reality that access to God is open to all, then when we hear, we are free to respond IMMEDIATELY!  Immediate obedience brings prolonged blessings!  Immediate obedience opens the door to God’s presence, and in His presence, there is peace, power, and provision.

My word of the day is IMMEDIATELY!  Not when my ship comes in, I will sail, but I will head for the sea NOW and know that ship or no ship, I will sail by the Spirit.  Remember when money became the issue and focus, Judas betrayed Jesus.

LORD, help us to have an instantaneous response to Your directive!