Mark 1:1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
What strikes me about today’s verses is that even Jesus–fully human, fully divine–had a support system. Mary and Joseph, John the Baptist, the disciples, so many others all were part of Jesus’s village. Jesus functioned in community and we do, too.
Mark 1:2 …as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” —
Sometimes being part of community means encouraging. Sometimes it means holding space so that others know they are not alone. Sometimes it means sharing your own testimony of how you’ve seen Jesus show up in your life. Sometimes it means showing up to hug a friend’s neck because there is nothing else you can do. Jesus is in all of that. Wherever two or more are gathered….
Mark 1:3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
Precious Savior, You know I have a fierce independent streak. You know I’m a fixer at the core, someone who likes to try to make things better for others. You know that I’m an encourager. You made me that way. Thank You for the need for community. Help me never to underestimate the power of showing up, sharing my story, encouraging others, making space, sharing a hug, just being present in Your name. Amen.
Mark 1:4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Have a blessed day.