In past years the Easter devotions were based on the Gospel of Luke. This year they are based on the Gospel of Mark. It’s a good source for short, simple devotions because the author wrote in a very direct manner.
The brevity of the writing lends itself to what I do well. Namely, make stuff up to fill in the blank spots! I will read a story in Mark and immediately have questions. The book leaves the reader begging for more detail.
Here’s an example. One passage that won’t be in the devotions is Mark 2:18-22. There are several reasons why it won’t be included, mostly because it doesn’t fit the “road trip” concept of the devotion series. But take a moment to read it.
I don’t know about you, but I see a ton of chaos and tension in this passage! Fasting, confrontation with Pharisees, a wedding scene, a bridegroom taken away, an old garment, tearing cloth, old wineskins, bursting wineskins and everything ruined. And that’s just five verses!
I put this passage into the Smart Brevity® app to see how it would do. It scores an 83, and the response was “good job!” Basically the only suggestion was to add bullet points, which made me chuckle.
Fun to see modern tech working on ancient texts!
But I’ve lost my thread here, sorry. Mark has proven a fun source for devotions. Especially short, fun, easy to read devotions. Hopefully you’ll read them and agree.
Painting of Saint Mark and his symbol, the Winged Lion, by Vladimir Borovikovsky.