This is the first Sunday of Lent and our journey begins with the waters of promise and covenant. The journey starts in these waters and ends at the cross of crucifixion on Good Friday, and its transformation to new life in the resurrection on Easter.
We return to the first covenant outside the Garden of Eden, the covenant sealed with Noah and for all humanity after the great flood brought devastation for the sins of humanity. This new life promise was sealed by God in the rainbow, with God's promise that such sweeping devastation would "never again" be visited upon humanity. It seems like God is admitting a mistake, doesn't it?
In the passage from Mark, we come to the waters again. This time it is at the Jordan where Jesus is baptized, anointed by the Spirit, and then sent off to the wilderness to tempted. In Mark's spare storytelling, this is done in a few sentences, followed by Jesus going to Galilee following John the Baptist's arrest. His good news gospel welcomes the coming Kingdom of God,, calling for embrace of the promise of new life.
For us, Lent can start by re-connecting with our baptismal promise, offering repentance and seeking renewal. May your journey in this special season draw you closer in faith to the promise of the Lord, bringing you the discovery of new life yourself!
Check out the sermon video below (yes, the video camera worked this week!) and the downloads below the video panel.
We return to the first covenant outside the Garden of Eden, the covenant sealed with Noah and for all humanity after the great flood brought devastation for the sins of humanity. This new life promise was sealed by God in the rainbow, with God's promise that such sweeping devastation would "never again" be visited upon humanity. It seems like God is admitting a mistake, doesn't it?
In the passage from Mark, we come to the waters again. This time it is at the Jordan where Jesus is baptized, anointed by the Spirit, and then sent off to the wilderness to tempted. In Mark's spare storytelling, this is done in a few sentences, followed by Jesus going to Galilee following John the Baptist's arrest. His good news gospel welcomes the coming Kingdom of God,, calling for embrace of the promise of new life.
For us, Lent can start by re-connecting with our baptismal promise, offering repentance and seeking renewal. May your journey in this special season draw you closer in faith to the promise of the Lord, bringing you the discovery of new life yourself!
Check out the sermon video below (yes, the video camera worked this week!) and the downloads below the video panel.
| 02-22-15-ff-answers.pdf |
| 02-22-15-waters_of_the_new_life_promise.pdf |