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
As the only white kid in an African-American history
course, from time to time I would be questioned as
to whether I had "street cred." This term was used
for someone who had spent time enduring the harsh
realities of life, particularly in communities of color. After
all, it is difficult to relate to a situation that you have
never experienced. These experiences of hardship are
what give you your "street cred."
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus is our God's
"street cred." Through Christ's experience in the
wilderness, we see a God who is tempted and who
can help us when we're tempted (Hebrews 2:8). Jesus
experiences poverty, homelessness, hunger, pain,
sadness, anger, betrayal and the full range of human
suffering so that it all might be redeemed. And you can't
get more "street cred" than that!
Prayer
God of suffering, we thank you that you are a God with
"street cred" who shows up in our struggles. Where there
is suffering, bring your redemption. Where there is fear,
bring your courage. Where there is pain, bring your
presence. Where there is death, bring your new life. Amen.