Authority, Power, and Service

Everybody has a catch phrase. It’s a slogan or a mantra that resonates with them and tells you about who they are as much as it does describe the world around them. One of my favorites you might have heard me say is “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again.” I usually use this when someone compliments me. I use it to keep my own ego in check, reminding myself that it isn’t about my skill, but the One who gave me that skill and who is always watching over me.

Sometimes it’s a favorite phrase or even a single word:

Favorite words don’t just happen by chance. The words we use shape our outlook and at the same time are shaped by our experiences.

John Mark, the author of our second gospel, has his favorite word: immediately (in the Greek: eutheos). It is used 41 times in the Gospel of Mark, which is also the shortest gospel of the four. These 41 uses are about ten times that of the entire Old Testament. It is also half of all the times the New Testament says “immediately.” So, the question must be asked, “Why is this word so important to Mark?”

I think there are two important things that have influenced this outlook and that are important for us to keep in mind as we journey through Mark this summer: 1) Jesus has authority. 2) Jesus came to serve.

On the surface, these two truths seem like contradictions. From a worldly point of view, they are. But Jesus’ kingdom works differently (as He directly spells out in Mark 10). In the very first chapter Mark sets up this dichotomy for us. Last week we saw him call others to follow him and cast out a demon, both demonstrating his authority. This week we see him “immediately” seek out those are sick and hurting so he can heal and restore them.

If the creator of the universe, who deserves to have all authority, makes it His mission to seek and serve others, how much more should we?

This Sunday we also celebrate Father’s Day, a fitting ceremony reminding us to stop and be thankful for the men in our lives who have shaped us and guided us on our own journey. To all the men reading this: I hope you enjoy the day; I hope you are celebrated for the work you have done and will continue to do on behalf of your family and friends; I pray the Lord will bless you and make you prosper. But also remember, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again.”

Don’t forget to take a few minutes and thank your Father who could have stayed in his Lay-Z-Boy in Heaven but chose instead to come down and walk among us, suffer scorn and shame to set us free forever, and has uniquely crafted you for every good work.

Amen.