Loved

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Read:

Mark 1:11-13


Reflect:

There are lots of contrasts in the Bible: lots of exceptional highs followed by deep, deep lows, like in today’s passage. Jesus is baptised by John the Baptist, the heavens open up and God Himself publicly acknowledges Christ as His Son and tells everyone present how proud He is. Jesus is told in no uncertain terms that He is loved by the Father.
And the very next moment Christ is whisked away into the wilderness. A time of trial and temptation follows. It almost seems like something is not right. How can God allow someone He loves to go through trials and temptations just after telling Him He is loved? I’m sure we’ve all asked that question in recent months.
I’ve had to learn (and am still learning) that God’s love does not make us exempt from hardship. I also need constant reminding that God’s love is not influenced by hardship, but made tangible within it. As with Christ, God’s love for us will be the same whether we face trial, tribulation, temptation or triumph.


Respond:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your constant and abiding love. Thank you that I can hold on to the promise of your never ending love, regardless of my circumstances. Please remind me of your love today. Amen.


Remind:

"Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not."
~C.S. Lewis~


Photo by Alex Guillaume on Unsplash

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