Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV)
Devotion
Mark’s Gospel moves quickly. The word “immediately” turns up fairly often. A few short verses describe months, perhaps years, of Jesus’ life. In this fast-paced text, words are intentional. Mark tells us that Jesus is thrown into the desert. More vividly, the Spirit kicks Jesus into the wilderness, which serves as a place of facing the tempter. The wilderness lacks a lot of things, yet it is a place of fullness. Most often we experience the wilderness because circumstances force us there. We find ourselves confronting the adversaries in our lives or struggling with the beasts in our ministries. Yet we can find the service of hands that hold us when we are unable to protect ourselves. Kicking and screaming we find ourselves in a wilderness made for us. These experiences call us to greater service, stronger commitment and deeper focus.
Prayer
We pray that you kick us some more, Spirit. Kick us where we would not go. Prod us to face those things we run from. But wait for us and serve us in our discomfort. Amen.