January 21, 2018
Our assignment two weeks ago was to read the first chapter of Mark's gospel. And I mentioned last week that Mark uses a certain word forty-two times in his 16 chapters, 4 in chapter one. In our reading today, it is used twice. Do you remember the word? Immediately. Mark emphasized this idea. Here's a list of synonyms to give us a fuller view of Mark's view: straightaway, at once, right away, instantly, now, at hand, promptly, forthwith, this (very) minute, this instant, without delay, without further ado, posthaste. It certainly seems that Mark saw a real sense of urgency in the mission of Jesus.
I was laying in bed last Sunday night thinking about this sermon; and this idea of urgency, the need for things to happen immediately. And my mind went to the end of the Vikings game. I can't imagine any of you don't know the story by now. I remember in the heat of the game wondering how they could possibly get everything done they needed to in 10 seconds.