SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:1-13
OBSERVATION:
Mark begins the ‘gospel’ (message of good news) with Jesus as an adult, not as baby.
‘Son of God’ is a presumptuous title, unless its true. Either Jesus is a liar, a lunatic or He really is Lord, the Son of God!
Our hearts need to be prepared to receive this good news, repentance is the key.
This message of good news starts in the wilderness (Isaiah 35), with a poor, poorly dressed prophet. Jesus is sent to wilderness where tempted/tested.
Contrast between water baptism (what we do) and Spirit baptism (what the Lord does). The one is outward, the other is inward.
Jesus is blessed (Spirit anointed) then stressed (sent to wilderness), tested (by Satan) and assisted (by angels).
APPLICATION:
Is the message of Jesus really good news to me?
The wilderness is an important part of the journey of faith, leads to repentance or defeat. We are tested in wilderness times to blame, run away from or disobey God. Like Jesus (and Hezekiah) we need to humble ourselves before Him, and await His help.
I need more than religious ceremony (water baptism), I need Spirit to ‘baptize’ me inside! I need my heart changed, and only Jesus can do that.
God sends His dearest servants into the wilderness to be tested, but He also provides support. I should not be surprised when I am going through tough times. But He does not abandon me there but grants His sufficient grace to make it “though the valley of the shadow of death.”
PRAYER:
Lord, You have come to rescue and restore me. Help me to repent and believe, and to surrender to Your Spirit’s work within me. Help me to see the wildnerness experiences as a part of my journey of faith. And help me to stand firm! Amen