Mark 1:9-15
The beginning of Jesus ministry seemed to begin with a bang. First, Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan river. The spirit appears, descends upon the newly baptized Jesus, and God's voice is heard from heaven. "This is my Son." claims the heavens. "With him I am well pleased." The good news of the gospel is near. Jesus is set to begin his ministry. With a start like that, what could possibly go wrong?
"And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and the angels waited on him." Mark 1:12.
Like I said: with a start like that, what could possibly go wrong? Apparently three things. Wilderness, temptation, and Satan.
I find it interesting that as Jesus was beginning, at least according to Mark's gospel, that he first spent time in the wilderness. This seems to be an intense time of preparation for the journey ahead.
This text is traditionally read on the first Sunday of Lent because of the 40 days connection. The season of Lent is 40 days long and is known as a time of introspection and penitence; a time to reflect on Christ's journey to the cross and how we journey with him. I take comfort in these words from Mark at the beginning of Lent because they remind me that Jesus has been tempted; Jesus has been in the wilderness; Jesus has been alone and waiting. This experience gives me comfort because I like knowing this about Jesus when I experience wilderness or temptation or alone-ness. I like knowing that Jesus has been there before me and that my faith in him gives hope.
I was reminded in studying this text that Jesus was not alone in the wilderness. Not only was he in the presence of wild beasts, but Mark's gospel claims that angels waited on him. I helps me recognize that I am never as alone as I think I might be; rather God's angels wait on me.
And if I push myself to reflect on what this means, given my personal ambiguity about real-life halo wearing, harp carrying angels, I realize that the angels who wait with me during times of struggle or other good and faithful people that God has seen fit to surround me with. The angels in my life are my friends and family.
And if I push myself further, I realize that there is a call in this story to be angels to one another. Part of journeying together, during Lent or any season of life, is to be present with others; to share in the ups and downs. But especially to bear the light and love of Christ to others who are sitting alone in the wilderness.
As you journey through Lent, may angels wait with you during dark times. And may you be an angel to another traveler who finds themselves alone in the wilderness.
No comments:
Post a Comment