March 7, 2010 --  Wilderness Journey   by Rev. Daniel Hodlin
This week, I would like you to read the following Scripture:  
Mark 1:9-15; Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22

Pastor’s Prayer
O God, we acknowledge the beginning of our wilderness journey with Jesus toward the cross. As we gather to worship, we know that sometimes the path of discipleship is a difficult one. We often stray because the cost of making decisions that are just and true and right seems too high. Yet, we ask you, O God, to hold up for us the example of Jesus who “knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Remind us that Jesus has already explored and charted a path through each of our wildernesses. He clears the path for us so that we might know the newness of life found in him. Give us the courage of our convictions and remind us daily that Jesus always travels before us. Jesus is “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). For this we give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Wilderness Journey
Have there been points in your life when you asked if God would ever do something to help you? This passage assures us that God will act decisively in our lives, and then calls for us to act decisively toward God.

In Mark 1:9-11, the author shows us from the very beginning the identity of Jesus. He is God’s Son. The heavens being ripped apart tell us up front that the divine is doing something magnificent in this world. The Spirit descending is like the anointing of a new king. The voice affirms that Jesus is the unique Son of God. God is doing something awesome for all creation!

We see in verses 12-13 how Jesus is sent from baptism into the wilderness to be tested. Jesus sees the temptations of the world and how Satan can use his forces against the Good News. Jesus identifies with the sins of the people, and then accepts his role for ministry as God’s beloved Son. Where Adam, Eve, you and I have failed, Jesus will not. The forty days of Lent commemorate Christ’s forty days in the wilderness.

During Lent, God invites us to reflect on our own lives and our own shortcomings. Lent is often a season of fasting and penitence. It is a time of introspection to evaluate our priorities, values, goals and faith. We remember our baptismal vows and the new life we promised to live. We ask that God will work in our lives so that we can make the changes we need to make.

In verse 14-15, we see Jesus coming through the wilderness unblemished. Then, we see that the introduction of the kingdom of God is shown by Christ’s victory over Satan. The reign of God is seen clearly in God’s Son, Jesus, overcoming evil. Because of Christ’s victory, we are then called to repent and believe. These are continuous action verbs that emphasize the ongoing nature of following Jesus in discipleship. We realize that God requires a radical change of heart and mind if we are to be true disciples. The continuous actions of repenting and believing help us realize the discipline involved in following Jesus. The season of Lent helps us to refocus on that disciplined life.

The kingdom of God is at hand, and we continually get glimpses of the kingdom wherever Jesus is. As we focus on Lent, we depart with the image of Jesus preaching to us. Although this may seem minor, the spoken Word of God is a powerful word. God has given us a Living Word seen through the decisive act of God in Jesus. Are we ready to open our hearts to God’s unique revelation? What is holding us back from receiving the Good News? Does Jesus’ victory over Satan matter to our lives? When the Word is offered to us, we are left to decide. Will we repent and believe?