At one time, I would have thought that only Jesus – the perfect, sinless human – could bring about this kind of joy to God. Somehow the qualifier ‘sinless’ overshadowed the beauty and vastness of the Creator’s absolute delight in all that was, is and is being created. Now, I notice that God takes joy in our dust, our glorious humanity. Perhaps God’s greatest joy is that we can be in intimate, familial relationship together.
What is it about our, about my, uniqueness that brings you great joy, God?
What does joy feel like to you, Abba?
How do you want to share and communicate your joy to me?
You God, are the One who rends the heavens to let us know.
Help us hear.
Help us know.
Help us entrust ourselves,
Our dust,
Into your joy.
Amen.
Mark 1:9-15 NLT
One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion or longing which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Notice it. Be curious about it. Talk it over with Jesus in your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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