Sermon - 2015-02-22

Walking through the creation of this world, a person can easily see and bear witness to the wonder that God has done within the world.  Walking in a forest surrounded by trees, walking in a field and being surrounded by the creatures that God has created, seeing the mountain, seeing the flowing plains, and witnessing the four seasons, we bear witness to the ongoing work that God is a part in the Creation.  Watching the birds, the rabbits, the deer, and the fish, it is no wonder that some people simply enjoy going out into the wilderness to connect with God.  However, today we are reminded that evil has also become a part of this world.  Now this is an important reminder because it can easily affect us and so easily be forgotten.  

Within the Gospel today, we hear of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.  Jesus is facing satan and other temptations.  Yet this account in the Gospel of Mark is short.  It is only a few verses.  However, this is the moment that truly connects with us.  Jesus is fully human.  He knows our struggles, and he knows our temptations we face every single day of our life.  It is through the gospels of Matthew and Luke, we know more of what happened within the wilderness in Jesus’ temptation.  However, Mark helps us to understand and place our own struggles within the wilderness.   Our own journey of life and faith, whatever it may be, we can now understand that Jesus has faced a similar or the same temptation in the world.  

There are some who would like to remove evil from the world. We can also forget that evil is mentioned in the Bible. In the Gospels, it is noted so that we never forget.  For truly this is the work of Satan.  Satan would love for us to forget or even place the blame upon something other than himself.   Then he would be able to work even more in the world and especially your own life.  I want you to be aware that there are things working against you.  However, just as quickly as the Gospel of Mark notes, Jesus does not fall to the temptation. In fact, he overcomes them and goes to the true source of all Creation and Life, God.  

Immediately following that, Jesus draws us into ministry. Not for our own sake, but for the sake of others around us.  We need to share with others what Jesus has done.  Jesus also points to the cross.  The very place in which sin, death, and the power of the devil are overcome and removed.  However, we allow evil to linger in the world.  We are continually being brought back to the cross. We are being reminded and hearing the story of Jesus Christ in our lives.  

Each and everyone of us gathered here today have experienced or are experiencing struggles and temptations in our life and faith.  Be aware to treat each other with care, compassion, and understanding, striving for what will help them and the entire community.  For we can not see the struggles or battles always, more often than not, they are hidden from us.  Share the love, grace and mercy that Jesus Christ gives to you now and forever, with all whom you encounter.  And when you doubt, when you are in the midst of struggles, come here for that reminder and help.  

Amen.