Embracing Life in the Desert

Scripture – Mark 1:9-13: ⁹At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” ¹²At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, ¹³and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Reflection: As Jesus comes on the scene and begins living in the public eye, the first thing that comes is the desert experience. I find it interesting that the Spirit sent Him out there. He was there for forty days, tempted by Satan, in the company of wild animals and angels.

Faith is not to be observed only in church settings and in the company of other Christians. (Although sometimes the wild animal image seems appropriate there, as well.) God calls me to live in the world – to be faithful in the desert. As a pastor it’s easy (and tempting) to stay always around church people. I’ll be aware this week of my life outside church. I’ll pay attention to all the conversations I have outside church.

Lord, show me the desert you have for me. Teach me to embrace it rather than avoid it. Guide me along in that area of life. Show me how to deal with temptations, wild animals and angels. Keep me out on the growing edge of life and faith.