Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:9-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Verse 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Verse 11And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Verse 12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. Verse 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Verse 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, Verse 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
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.