wilderness

This morning we begin worship with:

Genesis 1:27-28

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to

them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it."

For most, when we were at home we felt safe.  In my neighborhood we played and rode our bikes.  It was when we turned that next corner that the roads got bigger, it was too scary to ride (and our parents told us not to!).

This has been true throughout the ages, the earth needs to be subdued (kāḇaš).

As you read the Gospels, when you read the phrase "into the wilderness", do not envision a peaceful and tranquil place.  It was an area beyond civilization, beyond the reach of Motel-6, COSTCO, and 911.

It was into the wilderness that Jesus went to battle Satan (Mark 1:12) and where he exorcised the demons who called themselves "Legion" (Mark 5:1-20).  

It was often Hs battleground.