by Derek Weston, Director of Traditional Music and Worship
Mark 1:12-13
12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
The forty days that Christ spent in the Wilderness as referenced in Mark 1:12-13 was the inspiration for the length of the Lenten season. Jesus spent almost a month and a half where he endured the temptation of the devil, away from all other human contact. Luke’s account of this time states that Jesus had no food during this time (Luke 4:2).
How often have we felt completely alone, left to fend for ourselves in the wilderness of life? Can you think of times in your life where you endured rough circumstances with no end in sight? Would it have been easier to give in and give up? Jesus endured horrible conditions for forty straight days- no food, no other human contact- to triumph over the devil. And he later suffered a torturous death for the sake of our sin. When we face adversity, know that Christ took up the cross for us. His sacrifice allows us to persevere through life, knowing that he is with us every step. And by facing those forty days, he proved his love for us, even before giving his life.
This Lenten season, recognize that the burdens that we carry through life are never borne alone. Today, reflect on how Jesus brought you through times of affliction, and say a prayer of thanksgiving that he has never failed you.
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