March 5th Devotion

Mark 1: 9-15

“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. (vv. 11-12, NRSV)

I thought I knew the story of Jesus’ baptism. I hear it on this first Sunday of Lent every year. As I read today’s gospel passage, which is in Mark’s typical fast-paced writing style, I am struck by something.

Imagine being baptized in the River Jordan, and the Holy Spirit descending on you and announcing how pleased he is with you. How would you feel? Thankful? Proud? Would you feel as though you had accomplished something? What would you do? Would you celebrate the big day with family and friends? Take a few days off work to let it sink in? “With you I am well-pleased.” Wow!

But wait—Mark tells us that immediately after those words were spoken, the spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. Immediately! No time to relish in glory.

Jesus didn’t take a vacation or a spiritual retreat to the wilderness. The spirit drove him there—the same spirit that had come upon him at his baptism.

What is the message in this for us?

Being claimed by God, loved by God, and part of God’s family does not keep us from experiencing trials and temptations. Have you had time in the wilderness, time when you were tempted to trust in something or someone other than God?

If you are like me, you can look back at those times and see how they prepared you and strengthened you to be a better servant of God. And you can see that—however you got into the wilderness—it was God who ultimately led you out.

If it was necessary for Jesus to be tested in the wilderness before he began His ministry, how much more necessary is it for us to be proven?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the blessing of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us and comforts us during times in the wilderness of tribulation, and guides us through those times. Although we sometimes fail to recognize you, we can look back and see how you were there. Amen.

Jeff Taylor