Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, August 26, 2020
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Whiplash, much? You’re my son. You’re awesome. Now get out. Of course, that’s just how Mark’s gospel goes. He uses the word “immediately” dozens of times. Jesus’ life is told at a breakneck pace.
But isn’t that how life works sometimes? Everything is going along just fine, and then BANG! A major health crisis. A failed relationship. An accident. A lost job. A lost family member or dear friend. Even more minor changes and losses can bring about major stress and throw what seemed like an otherwise idyllic existence into a tailspin.
The truth is that change and loss are inevitable. The idea that we can have a smooth, pain-free existence is a delusion sold to us by marketing firms. We are driven into the wilderness again and again in our lives. But as with Jesus, such wilderness times can be opportunities for enormous growth. We find out what really matters. We find out who we are, and whose we are. In his wilderness journey, Jesus came back again and again to the simple truth that God’s word sustains us in all things. May we reach the same conclusion.
Gracious God, walk with me through the wilderness moments of my life, keeping me rooted and grounded in your loving word. Amen.
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