Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

Mark uses a stronger verb than either Matthew or Luke, but it should not be taken to indicate any reluctance on our Lord's part to go out into the wilderness. Instead, it would appear that Mark is conveying the power, the urgency bestowed by the Holy Spirit to begin the ministry with prayer and fasting.

Is not this a good indication that we need to begin every undertaking for the Lord with a season of prayer and fasting. See Acts 13:1-4 for example. Think for a few minutes upon the amazing success of the mission trip of Barnabas and Paul, led by the Holy Spirit and fueled by prayer and fasting on the part of the sending church. Scripture does not report, but I won't be surprised to find out that the prayer and fasting by the saints of Antioch didn't continue.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 18

Mid-day: 119:105-112

Evening: Psalm 93

Please address comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.