Grace and peace to you, from God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

If this morning's reading sounds familiar, a portion of it was read on Sunday, in January.

We again hear about the baptism of the Lord and descent of the Spirit, like a dove, on Jesus.

Not only does the Spirit descend but it becomes part of Jesus, part of his divine nature.

Confirmed by the voice of God for his Beloved Son.

Right away Mark’s gospel takes us on an incredible journey.

This same Spirit that descends like a dove, immediately drove Jesus into the wilderness.

A wilderness that would sound familiar to Jesus’ listeners. Much like the Israleties who wandered for 40 years.

In the wilderness there is little comfort, nor basic necessities; food, water, shelter are lacking.

Yet throughout the wilderness journey a fourth basic necessity is present. Our need for love is an ever present relationship with God. The shared life of God’s Beloved- Jesus.

Love from a loving God, that can seem very distant at times. As Jesus begins his ministry Mark writes with urgency and danger.

Danger that hides in the shadows.

Yet even in the wilderness there is sustenance, where miraculous springs of fresh water and manna appear out of heaven.

Immediately after Jesus’ baptism he is driven into the wilderness and dropped off.

I think of the feeling of really being alone on one of my canoe trips when we paid extra to be dropped off and picked up at a remote entry point, miles away from help.

We were full of the spirit of adventure and discovery, yet the unknown was always present.

This was before cell phones so we were extra careful to plan our trip so that we could return on time to be picked up, yet we also wanted to take advantage of all of our time enjoying the trip and not worrying about scheduled pick up times.

We had a beautiful trip that filled us more with the spirit of adventure and awe, than fear.

But hardly compared to what Jesus was thrust into.

Imagine what Jesus must have felt.

Recently baptized, named Beloved by God, perhaps the first words Jesus directly heard from his Father.

Only to be driven, the Greek actually means more to be thrown out into the wilderness.

Mark clearly describes the scene as transformative, something is going to happen.

It has the feel of some kind of extreme training camp for Jesus.

Will the Spirit create this super power that Jesus will use to vanquish all enemies?

What about Satan tempting him for 40 days?

And let's not forget the wild beast; lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Can you imagine taking Jesus’ place?

Can you believe that Jesus was thrown out into this wilderness for us? Thankfully those questions are answered, with good news, Jesus lives. Not only to be waited on by angels, but thriving against this challenge.

Look at what God can accomplish through the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that has been given to us.

In turn we can look forward to what God will inspire us to do.

I have received a great gift when I am able to go with my friends into the wilderness.

We go with the spirit of God that looks and sounds like genuine friendships.

Friendships where we can be with each other and talk about or even just sit with the many temptations, fears and hopes we have for ourselves and our families who have let us be thrown into the wilderness.

But just like Jesus didn’t go alone we carry the knowledge and equipment for a safe trip.

God sent Jesus on a perilous, yet prepared journey.

A journey to the cross that these 40 days in the wilderness take on the transformational power that Jesus has in our lives.

Our wilderness journey can happen suddenly with a sick child, aging parent, or grim diagnosis.

Facing that journey alone is nothing but harrowing and terrifying. The temptation might be to ignore the problem or the person. That’s when God breaks into the world with Jesus.

Jesus who proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

The good news that Jesus gives us life, gives us hope, and gives us courage.

Courage to trust God’s love in the world to face the wilderness knowing that we will also be waited on by angels.

Not that we will avoid the feelings of despair and the fear of the unknown, but knowing that we will not face them alone when we have love.

Love that cares for a sick child, praying for them to get well.

Trying out new ways to care for our aging parents, who through mental and physical challenges have reversed our caregiver roles.

Understanding that we are dust and to dust we shall return, creates joy for life, not a life sentence.

Thank you God for this journey together. Amen