February 18, 2024 

Today's Reading: Mark 1:9-15

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 4:1-26, Mark 2:18-28

As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending like a dove. (Mark 1:10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Beginnings and endings are always the best part of a story. The beginning brings with it optimism, excitement, something new, a reason for hope. The ending, well, the ending resolves conflicts, it brings about completion, and it answers questions. A good ending brings everything full circle. In our reading today we have a beginning, not of a story, but a true account of the ministry of Jesus. In Mark, the beginning of the Gospel of Christ begins not with his birth, but with his Baptism. The beginning of the account of Jesus is a tearing open of the heavens as Christ comes from the water, heaven and earth meet in a moment of awe and wonder as the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus. With this comes the hope of all people, this Jesus is not an ordinary man, but He is the Son of God. He comes to take away the sin of the world. God dwells among men! He comes to bring heaven to earth. 

Yet this hope fades away, Jesus, the son of God encounters rejection, He encounters false accusations, He encounters people who are spiritually blind. Eventually, He will encounter physical violence, He will be arrested, beaten, flayed, and crucified. All the optimism, hope, and excitement of Jesus would be snuffed out like a wick. The disciples scattered. But something else would happen as well. Jesus would cry out, He would give up His spirit, and the temple curtain which guarded the holiest of holies would be torn. The barrier between heaven and earth, shredded. The beginning comes full circle with the end, or at least the end of Lent. 

As we prepare our hearts for the coming Passion of our Lord, we focus our hearts on Jesus who is the proclaimed Son of God, who tears open the heavens and reconciles you to God, the Father. He is the Alpha, and the Omega, the beginning, and the end. And in Him everything comes full circle, everything becomes complete. In the beginning of Mark, we get a glimpse of the end. Jesus goes before you, and He tears open the heavens, so that now, you who believe may enter in, and dwell in His presence forever.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

- Pastor Caleb Weight is associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.