The Wilderness 21 February 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Call to Worship Psalm 25
People of the covenant. God remembers us according to God’s steadfast love! The God of our salvation teaches us right paths and leads us in truth. We put our trust in God.
Hymn# 630 Oh for a world where everyone
Call to Confession and Assurance of Pardon Ps. 25:4; Mark 1:12, 1 Pet. 3:22
Join me in prayer,
God of mercy, we begin this Lenten season in confession. We confess our struggle to live according to your ways. Help us to seek justice for others and to use our privilege for the common good. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Just as Noah and his family were brought safely through the flood onto dry ground, we are brought into new life in Christ. Jesus Christ forgives and reconciles us with all things in heaven and on earth. Thanks be to God!
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn #717 We cannot own the sunlit sky
Prayer For Illumination Mark 1:12-15
Gracious God, in every season and in all ways we need your sustaining word. By the power of your Holy Spirit, proclaim the good news among us today so that we may repent, believe, and see how that your kingdom has come near. We pray
in Jesus Christ your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Readings
Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word.
The Wilderness
The scriptures provide a deeper perspective of our current events in the world and in our individual lives. The flood in Genesis, the journey into the wilderness for Jesus. Both were life altering events that changed the world. The disruptions through the last year have been significant for most of the world. I’ve heard many wondering whether there will be long lasting changes once the pandemic is resolved. Will our current aversion to potential infection prevent us from shaking hands in the future? Will the work force return to common workplaces or continue working from home? Will the insight about the needs of others deepen or be lost? This is a good time to wonder about such things. A good time to question whether former ways are worth holding onto or resuming.
Disrupted routines provide the opportunity to reflect on our choices and their consequences. We have this opportunity during Lent. There are diverse Lenten practices that can help. The forty days provide a good amount of time to reflect on our choices, our relationships, and on ourselves. When routines are disturbed they become more visible. It can be challenging to intentionally examine our lives and shift into different ways of being. There can be comfort in the familiar and the predictable. Lent provides the opportunity to shift gears, to become more aware of our choices and even our invisible habits. Lent allows us to enter into a wilderness to discover a new way of being.
Our readings provide insight into the link between the divine and human. On this first Sunday of Lent Mark’s gospel draws our attention to significant events in a short passage. In just a few short lines we are told of the baptism of Jesus and his time in the wilderness. Jesus entered the wilderness and emerged proclaiming the kingdom of God is near. Noah and his family emerged from the flood, from the midst of the worst chaos, to know that God’s promise and love would be visible in in the rainbow. These significant events altered their understanding of God and of themselves.
These passages help us to recognize that this life is not intended to be a utopia but a place where we can live with God’s promise of relationship with all of creation and the promise of new beginnings. We are invited to re-consider our relationships with each other and all of God’s creation.
Experience and perspective shift our understanding of most things in life. Each reading of the scripture passage provides different insight. How we linger on a word or phrase. The interpretive influence of art and music. The impact of how others experience the passage. Mark describes, ‘The Spirit as a dove descended upon him.’ The Spirit as a dove. What image comes to mind for you? Jesus rising out of the Jordan, water flowing from his body back into the river, as the heavens are torn apart and the Spirit descended like a dove. The contrast of the heavens being torn with the image of a small bird descending. The voice from heaven laying claim to Jesus. Then, the Spirit that had descended like a dove, immediately drove him into the wilderness.
It is good to linger in this passage. To linger with the description of the Spirit. The intentional discussion of spiritual events, practices, and sharing such experiences. Here in the gospels, in each of Matthew Mark, Luke, and John, we discover the Spirit descending as a dove as the heavens open, God speaks, and then the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness. The chaos of life is packed into this short verse. Jesus moves from his baptism to his 40 days in the wilderness. He is with the wild beasts, where angels waited on him and he was tempted by Satan.
The season of Lent reflects the experience of Jesus in the wilderness. The time of change, of spiritual reflection, of temptation, and new insight. Spiritual practices take practice. You may wonder where to begin in creating the spiritual practice of regular prayer. Some find it helpful to link prayer with existing routines. Combine your routine of a morning coffee with a prayer. Many find it helpful to pray at specific times. Others prefer to connect each part of their day with prayer, such as a prayer at each meal. A prayer of gratitude might include thanksgiving for food, housing, and relationships. You might include prayers for local or international needs. Perhaps you could use the prayers are included in the weekly worship materials. Prayer is an intentional connection with the divine that can open up our ability to sense God’s presence in our lives. Prayer can help us to be open to the movement of the Spirit and the ways in which God is leading us.
We can learn much from this short gospel passage. When the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness Jesus did not try to avoid it. He did not try to evade the Spirit. Jesus willingly followed the path set out for him. The wilderness is not simply a destination. It is a spiritual place for intentional self-examination. Amy-Jill Levine wrote, “During Lent you have the opportunity to think about your life alongside the life of Jesus, inviting inward transformation and then outward action.” Lent is a time when we intentionally explore new meaning within our actions, our relationships, our faith. How will you journey through this season of Lent? Jesus went alone into the desert. He left distractions of the predictable behind. He faced challenges to his identity and defined the course of the journey which would follow. Praise be to God.
#352 And can it be
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord Mark 1:15
Quote: Think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.
- D. Rockefeller (1839–1937), business magnate, philanthropist
We respond in tangible ways to God’s call on our life. We bear witness to the good news of the gospel with acts of justice and compassion and in sharing our resources. Your offerings allow the good work of the church to have an impact locally and worldwide.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Gen. 7:17; Mark 1:10-13, 15:38, Psalm 25
Join me in prayer:
Steadfast God, we are thankful that you shelter us in the storms of life. You minister through angels seen and unseen. God of steadfast love and faithfulness,
we are humbled as we try to do what is right and to walk in your ways. Receive, we ask, these offerings, and use them for your good purpose within your creation. O holy One, we rejoice when clouds of trouble are overtaken by your presence.
We seek the courage to promote well-being of all people. Loving God, in life and in death, we belong to you. We entrust ourselves to your care. We boldly ask your guidance to clarify the confusion and untangle our path.
There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up the family and friends of Jennet Leslie as they mourn her death. We lift up Ron, Sandy, Rudy, Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney and Kyla, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. We desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. Lead us to serve others faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ, who taught his disciples to pray…Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn #398 When the spirit of the Lord moves in my soul
Benediction
In this season of Lent, practice the way of life to which we have been called—
the way of Jesus Christ. Live each day proclaiming the good news, in word and deed, that God is with us and the kingdom is near. May the God of the covenant enfold you; the beloved Son encourage you; and the Holy Spirit descend upon you in blessing; this day and forever.
Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth
Questions for Reflection
The phrase “kingdom of God” occurs fourteen times in the Gospel of Mark. Though Jesus is described at the Gospel’s opening as being “from Nazareth of Galilee” (Mark 1:9), at Jesus’ baptism it becomes clear whence he comes and to whom he belongs. Jesus is God’s beloved Son, and his baptism signals the only realm to which he owes allegiance. His baptism, then, not only is a religious act, but also is a political and economic one. In what ways does your baptism into Christ make claims on your political, social, and economic practices as well as your religious practices?
Morning Prayer
God of ancient covenants, your steadfast love and faithfulness are still new every morning. I thank you that I can begin this day in the confidence of your abiding love and unending mercy. Help me to treat others— family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and even strangers— with love and mercy in our encounters today.
When I disappoint or am contradictory, help me to show love to others. Open my eyes to the places, people, and circumstances in which your kingdom has come near. I pray in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
Evening Prayer Gen. 2:2-3, 9:9-13
God of peace, as the day draws to a close and the evening draws in around me,
I think of the creatures of the earth that also seek rest in the hours of the night.
You love them even as you love me, and your covenant faithfulness covers all of us. So, with the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, and the tiny ones who burrow in the ground, I offer you all thanks and praise: for your unending goodness; for the beauty of our home, the earth; for your gift of life instead of a deserved destruction. As your colorful bow now rests in the clouds, so may we color the earth with the ways of peace until all creation rests with you in completeness. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
Daily Prayer Gen. 9:9–11, Mark 1:9, Mark 1:10
Loving God, you have made covenant with us and with every living creature.
We give thanks for the sign of the rainbow, for it reminds you and us of your promise: that the flood of destruction will not be the last word. We thank you, too, for the waters of baptism, the sign that we are raised as children of the covenant;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. And we thank you for the sign of the dove,
the promise of your Holy Spirit. Hovering over the dawn of creation, descending upon your beloved Son, your Spirit also hovers over and descends upon us.
With the whole creation, we give you all glory and honor. In your triune name we pray. Amen.
Scripture readings next week
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
623 Holy, holy, holy Words: traditional Music: F Schubert
Refrain: Holy, holy, holy, God almighty, Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!
God without beginning, God eternal One
reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun [Refrain]
Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne
Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone [Refrain]
352 And can it be
And can it be that I should gain God’s riches through the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, should’st die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, should’st die for me?
‘Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies: Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries To wound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; Let angels minds inquire no more. (2 x)
He left his Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite his grace,
Emptied himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me. (2 x)
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off; my heart was free. I rose, went forth and followed thee. (2 x)
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
Alive in him, my living head, & clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne, & claim the crown, through Christ, my own (2x)
398 When the spirit of the Lord moves in my soul
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul like David the shepherd I sing
I sing, I sing, like David the shepherd I sing [2]
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul like David the sinner I pray
I pray, I pray, like David the sinner I pray [2]
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul like David the victor, I dance
I dance, I dance, like David the victor I dance [2]
When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my soul like David the poet, I praise
I praise, I praise, like David the poet I praise [2]
717 We cannot own the sunlit sky
We cannot own the sunlit sky, The moon, the wildflowers growing,
For we are part of all that is Within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share The gifts of God’s creation,
That all may have abundant life In every earthly nation.
When bodies shiver in the night, And, weary, wait for morning,
When children have no bread but tears, And war horns sound their warning,
God calls humanity to wake, To join in common labour,
That all may have abundant life In oneness with their neighbour.
God calls humanity to join As partners in creating
A future free from want of fear, Life’s goodness celebrating.
That new world beckons from afar, Invites our shared endeavour,
That all may have abundant life And peace endure forever.
730 Oh for a world where everyone
O for a world where everyone Respects each others ways,
Where love is lived and all is done With justice and with praise.
O for a world where goods are shared And misery relieved,
Where truth is spoken, children spared, Equality achieved.
We welcome one world family And struggle with each choice
That opens us to unity And gives our vision voice.
The poor and rich, the weak are strong, The foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, Who perishes will rise.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
Where time and tears will be no more, And all but love will cease.