By Karina Rohrer-Meck, a junior nursing major from Archbold, Ohio
Scripture: Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV)
“I will remember my covenant” is this week’s theme. Sometimes in our everyday, busy lives, this is easy to forget.
Reading the Good News in today’s Scripture is an inspiration to remember to do this every day we wake up. The descending of the dove onto Jesus is a meaningful symbol of God’s unconditional love that descends on us and can give us peace. As well, when Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness, the angels attended him. These two ideas are so powerful together. In our everyday lives we face countless temptations. No matter the temptation, we are able to find peace in God’s love. This is an unexplainable love, a powerful love. This love can be beaten down, yet it still rises and wins the day. This love is the greatest force in the world, yet it does not threaten, break apart or destroy. This force brings us together and heals us.
When I think about this, it settles my tempted and tried heart. Although we can be beaten down by this world, we are not destroyed because we can rest in God’s never failing love. This love can save us from all the hardships we face. As the Scripture states, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Let us remember our covenants with love filled hearts, and let this love be our peace.
Scripture: Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV)
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.” 12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14Now 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.”