And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tested by Satan, and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels waited on him.

[Adapted from Worship Resources Year B: Advent 2014 to Advent 2015, Herald Publishing House, 2014, p. 94]

In Mark 1:9–15, radical Jews were revolting against Roman oppressors. Tensions were high. But the clear intention of God was about to be revealed. Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized.

After his baptism Jesus was taken into the wilderness where he was tempted for 40 days. Later John was arrested and then Jesus appeared in Galilee and proclaimed the good news of God. Jesus, who has been declared the Son of God, is the good news.

Amid life’s struggles and the stresses they cause, God in the form of Jesus says to us there is good news. Life can be hard and people can think there is no hope. Now is the time for God to speak and act. The kingdom is something new. It is a different way to live. As recounted in the scriptures, people had heard of repentance for the remission of sins (John’s baptism). But through his baptism, Jesus was saying the presence and reign of God is here. God is at work, and you need to turn away from what you are doing and believe this reality. The people were looking for good news and here it was.

For us today, the peaceable reign of God can be a reality if we believe and work toward it. It can demand sacrifice from us, but the kingdom is calling. It is time to share the good news that the kingdom of God can be reality today. To make this happen we engage in Christ’s mission. How do we invite people to relationship with Christ? How do we abolish poverty and end needless suffering? How can we pursue peace on Earth? How do we develop disciples to serve? How do we experience our congregations in mission? As we find answers to these questions and respond in Christ’s mission, the reign of God will be reality. God is near.

Prayer Phrase

“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).

Healing and Reconciliation

Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.