"[H]e remained in the desert for forty days"
The desert is the one place where one might wish for a flood. Imagine the thirst. Imagine the dryness everywhere. A moment passes in struggle and suffering and then another. Why does he come here? Why does the Spirit drive him here?
"[A] few persons, eight in all, were saved through water. This prefigured baptism, which saves you now."
Insofar as we need the waters of Baptism there is a sense in which we need the flood. Only in the desert can we realize this thirst. But with Jesus we aren't completely cutoff. The angels who minister to him will minister to us as well.
"Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit."
If we stay with him the living water which flows from him can do this for us as well. If we keep his covenant we will know his love and truth. Look to the rainbow! Look to his promise of life and mercy! This is the good news. Repent of hearts that are slow to believe. Let us follow the path he sets before us as the Spirit drives us on.
I never thought about the angels helping me through the desert of Lent. What an encouraging thought when I get grouchy over something ridiculous like chocolate or pop.
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