9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved;with you I am well pleased.’
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’
This year we are focusing on Mark's account of Jesus' baptism. The interesting thing is that, unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark doesn't mention Jesus fasting while he is in the wilderness. We are all on a journey this Lent to the cross (and beyond!). The absence of Jesus fasting here in this account begs the question, "how important is fasting?".
Some sacrifice something of import this time of year so they can feel a sense of sacrifice in trying to be at one with the sacrifice made on the cross (i.e. giving up Facebook). Others sacrifice with the intent of establishing a new healthy habit (i.e. giving up fatty foods). Still others may sacrifice to establish a habit of greater justice (i.e. giving up all put fair trade products when possible). Others might actually take on something that adds to their personal or spiritual walk (i.e. exercise or daily prayer). Many find great spiritual value in some sort of "fasting" during this time for whatever reason.
Then there are those who feel such "works" are constrictive to a liberated spiritual walk. Reformer Ulricht Zwingli was so proud of throwing out Lenten fasting the he actually passed out sausage intentionally to snub the practice of refraining from pork! This might be like me eating Hershey's chocolate in front of my friend Nelis who has given up all chocolate unless it is fair trade!
The point is this. You have 40ish days (Sundays make it longer) to make a shift in your life that brings you closer to God. Maybe it is to be liberated from restrictions that have stifled your walk with God. Maybe it is to embody in some manner within your own life the sacrifice Christ made for all of us. Maybe it is to take this time to set forth a healthier lifestyle in the image of Jesus's life and ministry.
Whatever you decide to do or not do, don't let this time pass by without seeking to be closer to God. The Kingdom of God is truly near. Take step closer and you might be surprised how your life is revolutionized in the process.
Loving God, teach us this Lent how to live in your likeness. You have come near to us. May we now take this opportunity to come near to you. In the name of Christ who walks with us even in the wildernesses of life, Amen.
Have a great week!
Kyle
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