The Spirit.

Mark 1:9-13, In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

We have the Spirit descending upon Jesus “like a dove,” the Father announcing Jesus as his beloved Son. And rather than some miraculous work of power or great preaching, Jesus is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted! We have his promise that he will baptize us with his Holy Spirit, and with fire. When we are filled with his Spirit, it may well be for the purpose of being tested!

Thank you that you baptize us with your Holy Spirit to give us the strength for each day; fill us today that your Spirit may flow as streams of living water!

ESV Lectionary