Mark 1:9-13 - Homilies By E. Johnson

The consecration of Jesus.

I. THE GOOD OF CUSTOM . Honoured by his submission to baptism. This is an example. Custom is the sacred link between past and present. Old customs, sacred rites, should be kept up; only abandoned when. they no longer teach truth, but more falsehood than truth. Rebellion against custom for rebellion's sake is vicious individualism. Compliance with the beauty of order is the mark of a loyal and loving spirit.

II. THE SYMBOL IS PRECIOUS , NOT FOR ITS FORM , BUT ITS CONTENTS . We speak of a "beautiful word," but it is the thought conveyed by it that shines. So of a" sacred rite;" but the one sacred thing is the spiritual belief signified, the real union of the soul with God. Upon the meek spirit the gentleness of Heaven descends. The "meekness and gentleness" of Christ is the grace of the lowly and obedient heart. The delight of God is in those human traits which resemble and reflect Jesus.

III. TRIAL FOLLOWS CONSECRATION . The Spirit of God is given to prepare for service; and the call to this is not long delayed. All trial is for good. There is no needless torment of the spirit in God's school. Only in conflict do we really learn reality.

"When the fight begins within himself,

A man's worth something. God stoops o'er his head,

Satan looks up between his feet. Both try.

He's left himself in the middle; the soul wakes

And grows. Prolong that battle through his life

Never leave growing till the life to come!"

Solitude is a necessary element in trial. (See Robertson's sermon on the 'Loneliness of Christ.') Life is a drama on which angels and demons look with intensest interest. Evil is ever near; succor never far off.—J.