Sometimes the Greek language has an advantage over English. For example: Greek has three words for "love" English only one. Greek has two words for "time" (chronos and kairos). English only one. From "chronos" we get our word chronology. This kind of time is the time it takes me to drive form my house to my mothers house. Kairos is equal to a "moment of truth" i.e. "The Kingdom of God is at hand."
Mess up cronos and we suffer an inconvenience.
Mess up kairos and we suffer a tragedy.
Point#1:The time has come: (kairos). The Kingdom is here!
This concept is very much a part of old testament thought and expectation. The history of Israel from Abraham to the present is the call upon Israel to let God be their king. But in 1 Samuel 8:5-22 Israel rejects God as king. They request and receive a "king" like the surrounding nations. BUT THE PROMISE IS OPEN TO THIS DAY!
Point#2: The Gospel of Mark makes it clear that with Christ, the Kingdom has come near.
With the beginning of Jesus' ministry the kingdom is on its way.
But, there is work to be done. Gods kingdom will not be built by
command. It comes through the work of a faithful few.
This is illustrated by the call of a hand full of followers. Today we
witness the call of four: Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
Note their circumstances:
They are busy: casting nets or preparing nets. They are
fishermen. Reasonably well to do at that! Jesus calls and Mark records that
"immediately" they follow him. "Busy is not an excuse!"
Point#3: People don't normally volunteer for discipleship.
They are called: sometimes to respond immediately. At other times
to weigh on their hearts or as it the case of some, refuse to get involved.
One thing is certain: The church is here every week to "recieve the call" and to "issue the call."
Let us not be to busy! Busy is no excuse
Written by Pastor Carl Settle of Unity United Methodist Church Kannapolis N.C.
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