Mark 1:1-8

The book of Mark begins with the introduction of John the Baptist as the one who comes 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 repentance 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 wildernesses 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 continual 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 backpacking 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 get hectic and God becomes harder and harder to hear, find the wilderness in your life.  find your center, so that you may hear clearly what God is saying.

Sovereign and Creator God, it seems that the noisiness of our lives makes it difficult to hear you sometimes.  We pray 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

Middler Student from Arlington, Texas