Straightway

The eighteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first verses in the first chapter of Mark's Gospel point to the value of obedience and the blessings to be expected therefrom. The thought expressed in the word "straightway" is intended to do away with doubt or delay, and encourages us all to expect the immediate fulfillment of prayer when we turn humbly to God, acknowledging Him as the only power.

In considering Christ Jesus' ministry of healing we are impressed by his immediate response to every genuine appeal for help, the need in each case being met with tenderest compassion allied to spiritual understanding. Because of the Way-shower's absolute dependence upon God, together with his awareness of man's spiritual selfhood, no indecision was evidenced. This was his mission—the manifestation and glorification of God, the Christ made understandable and available to men. Because of his spiritual discernment Jesus could never lose sight of his unity with God or of the power implied to this oneness. His healing work was immediate. In some instances demanding obedient effort on the part of the sufferer, he proved that the reward must and would be "straightway." He expected obedience and healing to coincide, and they did.

Mrs. Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 183): "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty. Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength. Submission to error superinduces loss of power." Such obedience should inspire trust and confident expectation of good as much now as in Jesus' time.

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Church Supply
January 19, 1935
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