Lenten Devotion for Feb. 22

Mark 1:4-11
4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9In 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.”

Freshly baptized
Jesus heard a voice from heaven say,
“You are my Beloved Son
And I am well pleased.”
At this time in his life
He had not healed anybody
Or preached any sermons.
Had not performed miracles
Or taught in parables.
Yet God was well pleased with him.

There are many things we have not done
And we are not famous
Nor have we done miraculous things.
We may feel life is passing us by
And we are only pedestrians on the road of life.
We know we’ve done nothing to deserve God’s love.
We have not seen any dove descend from heaven
And we have not heard God’s voice.
And yet
Because of God’s grace
We are God’s beloved sons and daughters
And he is well pleased with us.

Celebrate!