Mark 1: 1-8 BibleGateway.com
The Book of Mark begins with the introduction of John the Baptist as the one who come preparing and making the way for Jesus Christ. John ventures out into the desert region, otherwise known as the wilderness, calling out for the confession and repentence of sins. He subsequently baptizes the Judeans, and proclaims the arrival of Jesus, who baptizes with more than just water.
This passage often garners up images of winlderness and remote desert regions of which we hardly have a clue. In our fast-paced Internet and cell phone age we are overrun by distraction and constant stimulus. But, what about that wilderness? Why is the wilderness such a shimmering note in this passage? Perhaps it is a clue. Perhaps it is a hint as to where to go to center ourselves and communicate with God.
In a recent back[acking trip I was rewarded with the wonderful gift of solitude in the mountains of Colorado. We went together into the mountains and did not take any watches, cell phones, or electronic devices. We were there to be in the moment. We managed to slow down our pace from the hustling and bustling of our hectic lives to a pace where we could hear and listen. We spent eight wonderful days in serenity listening to what God was telling us.
So when things become hectic and God becomes harder and harder to hear, find the wilderness in your life. Find your center so that you may hear what God is saying.
Sovereign and Creator God, it seems that the noisiness of our lives makes it difficult to hear you sometimes. We praye that when we struggle to hear you, we can find that wilderness in our lives to center ourselves and listen to your calling. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
The Book of Mark begins with the introduction of John the Baptist as the one who come preparing and making the way for Jesus Christ. John ventures out into the desert region, otherwise known as the wilderness, calling out for the confession and repentence of sins. He subsequently baptizes the Judeans, and proclaims the arrival of Jesus, who baptizes with more than just water.
This passage often garners up images of winlderness and remote desert regions of which we hardly have a clue. In our fast-paced Internet and cell phone age we are overrun by distraction and constant stimulus. But, what about that wilderness? Why is the wilderness such a shimmering note in this passage? Perhaps it is a clue. Perhaps it is a hint as to where to go to center ourselves and communicate with God.
In a recent back[acking trip I was rewarded with the wonderful gift of solitude in the mountains of Colorado. We went together into the mountains and did not take any watches, cell phones, or electronic devices. We were there to be in the moment. We managed to slow down our pace from the hustling and bustling of our hectic lives to a pace where we could hear and listen. We spent eight wonderful days in serenity listening to what God was telling us.
So when things become hectic and God becomes harder and harder to hear, find the wilderness in your life. Find your center so that you may hear what God is saying.
Sovereign and Creator God, it seems that the noisiness of our lives makes it difficult to hear you sometimes. We praye that when we struggle to hear you, we can find that wilderness in our lives to center ourselves and listen to your calling. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Jose Lopez, Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary
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