First Sunday in Lent

Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-9; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

Today we hear Mark’s quick summary of Jesus’ initiation and the beginning of his ministry.  I love the brevity and clarity of this version.  We see that baptism, testing, and mission are part of one whole.

Jesus was driven (not led, as in Matthew and Luke) to the desert.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit is a dove, sometimes She’s a kick in the pants.  

Mark doesn’t tell us what happened there.  No question and answer period, no Scripture quoting contest.  It reminds me that we can never really anticipate the shape our tests and temptations might take.  I might have answers for some, but find myself tripped up by one I didn’t expect.  During Elijah’s forty days, and Moses’ forty days, they were tempted by despair.  That’s a big one for many of us, I suspect, as big as power or glory or even food.  I can be tempted to doubt that God is with me.

I like to think that Jesus sweated and doubted and complained like the rest of us would.  In Mark’s version he does not know he’s special.  We don’t hear about virgin births or announcements by magi.  This guy shows up out of nowhere, and he finds himself swept up into God’s story.  But being swept up means not being in control.  That’s what he had to face in the desert.  The good news he brought was not that he was divine and special; the good news was that God is with us, active and powerful and wildly in love with us.  But bringing that message cost him.  The baptism and the desert together got him ready for what was coming.

And so, as he stuck it out, the angels took care of him.  As they do for us, when we face into our vulnerability and need of God.  As they will for you.  

But this gift is not for you to lounge around with.  It’s food for the mission with which you are entrusted.  We all have a message, a mission.  it may be to your neighbors, or to those at work, or your faith community.  It may be to your family.  But you have it.  Find it, and tell it today.

(Still in Princeton, preaching and leading a forum.  More prayers, please!)