A Concord Minute: God in your wilderness

“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And [Jesus] was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” Mark 1:12-13 ESV

The Gospel reading for the first Sunday in Lent (Feb. 18) is Mark 1:9-15. The verses I picked for this Minute are from that reading. Immediately after being baptized, Jesus is thrown into the wilderness by His Spirit. Why? To be tempted by satan for 40 days. Jesus is subjected to hunger, thirst and persecution. What Israel experienced for 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus experienced for 40 days. A fulfillment and connection between Israel and Jesus is made here in Mark - Jesus is Israel reduced to one person. A nation combined into one person - Jesus Christ.

Though Israel faltered and grumbled by their temptations in the wilderness, Jesus remains true to His Father’s Will. Jesus does not falter, does not slide into sin, does not fail. Jesus endures the wilderness. Jesus fully entrusts Himself to His Father. The result? The Father is faithful to Jesus.

How does this passage apply to you and me? It is helpful to remember the wilderness is not just a desert locale. You and I have our own wildernesses that are just as foreboding, lonely and tempestuous as the desert landscapes of Israel. Perhaps your home is fully furnished with a padded bank account and a country club membership secured, but your marriage is in tatters. Perhaps you have the best job in the world with friends innumerable and connections galore, but you are severely depressed and feel alone.

Everyone is living in their own wilderness. Everyone has their own temptations. Everyone needs Jesus in his/her wilderness.

Here St. Mark reminds you of three things: God is in control; Jesus has already been tempted more than you, so rely on Him in the midst of your temptations; and third, God provides for you angels - people - that minister to you. These angels are His church.

God goes with you in your wilderness and provides a haven - Jesus Christ Himself. God provides the escape of temptation - Jesus Christ Himself. God is in your wilderness. Christ is here for you.

The Rev. Matthew Berry is pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston, Missouri. Based in Sikeston’s Historic North End, Concordia is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), a theologically conservative, biblically sound, Christ-centered church.