This year the Lord prompted me to do a little study on Lent. This is what I found.
At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit. Where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. During his time there he was tempted by Satan. What he found was clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry .
Easter has always been my favorite holy day-even above Christmas. I wish the church would do a better job explaining the true joy and meaning of Christmas and Easter. We are a rewards based society. Santa Claus knows if we've been bad or good. If we have been bad? No Christmas for us! But wasn't Jesus born, quite honestly, for all of us who are bad?
When our kids are so focused on
the Easter bunny , candy, Santa, and gifts?Threy miss out on the really sweet
treat. Jesus! He was born for us. He died was buried and rose again all for us! He was the ultimate sacrificial Lamb! We no longer have to "work" to sacrifice for Him. He did that for us. Woot Woot! Let's throw a party and celebrate!
Here is where I think Lent can be confusing for academic pastors as well as unknowing Christians and children alike. Or at least it was for me. Lent and Christmas were the two times of year where I made a conscious effort to be "good". During Christmas for obvious reasons--can you say presents? (Don't even get me started on Santa Claus, Elf On The Shelf, and the Easter Bunny). During Lent I "tried" (worked) very hard because my whole family observed Lent. I'd be the odd man out if I let my parents down. I'd be "bad" if I couldn't sacrifice something for Jesus, Amen?
Here is where I think Lent can be confusing for academic pastors as well as unknowing Christians and children alike. Or at least it was for me. Lent and Christmas were the two times of year where I made a conscious effort to be "good". During Christmas for obvious reasons--can you say presents? (Don't even get me started on Santa Claus, Elf On The Shelf, and the Easter Bunny). During Lent I "tried" (worked) very hard because my whole family observed Lent. I'd be the odd man out if I let my parents down. I'd be "bad" if I couldn't sacrifice something for Jesus, Amen?
But here's the thing: I could never complete the task. Then I'd beat myself up. I'd apologize to Jesus all the while promising I would work harder next year. Then, because I had failed, I put it out of mind. I went on with the rest of my spring, summer and fall until Christmas rolled around. I totally missed the whole point of the 40 days of observance. He died on the cross for my sins. Because He did this for me I no longer had to work for His approval or love. It was unconditional.
Unending amazing grace! Jesus wanted a relationship with me! I didn't connect the dots that I needed to be intentionally praying and communing all year long. Not just Christmas and Easter. Not because it was expected. A work of commitment. But because Jesus Christ rose from the dead just for me!! To save me from myself. To love me intimately. To have a relationship with me.
Jesus used those 40 days in the wilderness to commune with God uninterrupted. Matthew 4 tells us that Jesus used that time to prepare for His ministry. At the end of the 40 days, after being tempted by satan, He was ready. He had fasted and put on His full Armor of God. He began His ministry with fervor. Did He sacrifice? Yes, he fasted in order to better be able to commune with His father. But His real sacrifice was dying on the cross for our sins.
I love Lent. But I also know that I can rest in His promises to us because of the crucifixion and His resurrection. If I want to show respect for what He did for us I can give up and present Him with my works. But, again, it is not necessary. He is the official sacrificial Lamb. The work is over. If I want to show my love, my heart, my devotion to Him? I can choose to rest in knowing He's already made the sacrifices. Now He wants us to come to Him. To love Him unconditionally as He loves us. One of my favorite scriptures is
Mathew 11:28-30:
Jesus used those 40 days in the wilderness to commune with God uninterrupted. Matthew 4 tells us that Jesus used that time to prepare for His ministry. At the end of the 40 days, after being tempted by satan, He was ready. He had fasted and put on His full Armor of God. He began His ministry with fervor. Did He sacrifice? Yes, he fasted in order to better be able to commune with His father. But His real sacrifice was dying on the cross for our sins.
I love Lent. But I also know that I can rest in His promises to us because of the crucifixion and His resurrection. If I want to show respect for what He did for us I can give up and present Him with my works. But, again, it is not necessary. He is the official sacrificial Lamb. The work is over. If I want to show my love, my heart, my devotion to Him? I can choose to rest in knowing He's already made the sacrifices. Now He wants us to come to Him. To love Him unconditionally as He loves us. One of my favorite scriptures is
Mathew 11:28-30:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden in light".
The work is over. There is no need to be tired. Ask Him into your heart. There you will find peace. Rest. The grace that surpasses all understanding. Amen!
