On this beautiful morning, I want to tell you: I want to walk with Jesus. How about you?
Devotional for Today January 4
Twice in the Gospel of Mark, the word “immediately” refers to significant events in Jesus’ life. First, Jesus goes to receive baptism and the “immediately” sign from Heaven. Also, “immediately,” the Spirit prompts Jesus to enter the wilderness.
This is no coincidence. It is a holy sign of spiritual urgency that has nothing to do with our irresponsible, often even sinful, haste in our daily lives.
Bible Verse for Today
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him; and a voice came from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
And immediately the Spirit brought Him out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving Him. (Mark 1:9-13 NASB)
The holy spiritual urgency is driven by the concern that much loss is incurred by someone who does not know Jesus. Therefore, the Gospel of Jesus must not be delayed for a minute; it must be proclaimed now without waiting for favorable circumstances.
Jesus is revealed to us in today’s Gospel passage from Mark.
Devotion for every day: Prayer for Today
Jesus allows himself to be baptized with the baptism of repentance. He is the only one without sin, standing in line with sinners. Perhaps the word solidarity has a special meaning here.
From that moment on, no one is alone in the fight against evil. No one is a hopeless case. No one has to die for his sins. Jesus, God incarnate, stands as a man among men. A real man.
But at the same time, he is also a true God. We hear the voice of God the Father confirming this.
I Want to Walk with Jesus
Whoever receives Jesus must be prepared to be led by the Holy Spirit through green pastures and along paths that lead through the wilderness, just as Jesus was led.
The wilderness means confrontation with the beasts of the desert and even with Satan himself. It means challenges, trials, and temptation to draw you away from your faith. There is no following Christ without risks.
Such trials are necessary for you to be purified.
But the wilderness is also a place of peace and quiet. The wilderness is a place of encounter with God. Above all, the desert is in our lives.
At first glance, the wilderness seems to be a scary, dangerous and dead place. It seems impossible to experience God’s love if life is full of difficulties and trials. A person may feel that they are left all alone. But this is not true.
In such deserts, the springs of the Living Water are most abundant. One has only to look for them and drink when one finds them.
We have begun our pilgrimage. Inevitably, our path will pass through deserts and wilderness several times this year. Do not forget that amid difficulties, God is closest to you. Do not close yourself off, do not withdraw. Drink from the source of life and strength.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, I want to walk with you. I want to enter the water of repentance with you. Lord, I want to go into the wilderness with you. I want to fight with you, by your side, and overcome every temptation. And I want to stand in suffering. And I was hoping you could invite me into your Kingdom. Amen.
Also read: Devotion for January 3
