Lent is the period of 40 days between ash Wednesday and Easter. It signifies the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness before starting His ministry. Lent is a period of time where Christians examine their hearts in preparation for Easter celebration. The denominational churches often fast ( from all food or a Daniel fast – no meat – or a fast from favourite foods) to help them remember how good God is to provide us with so much. If we do without, we will be thankful when we have it again.
As long as we fast with the purpose of seeking God – not earning anything in the kingdom of God – we will be doing it with faith that God can honour.
We can learn about God as we fast. We may sacrifice a meal or a food and use that time to draw close to God. We set our hearts to seek the LORD. We purpose in our will to pursue God. This is a form of worship in itself. We set our hearts to seek the LORD.
Amos 5:4For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:
Psalm 105
1O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
4Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Celebrating LENT does not mean we have to deprive ourselves of something. If we want to fast because we want to draw closer to God- this is good. If we believe that it makes us more worthy of His love – we are in error. If the focus of my heart is on magnifying the LORD and thanking Him for what He has done for me, we will find the LORD in our seeking and He will bless us with His presence. Whatever we do in faith, God will honour. Whatever is not of faith is sin.
We can add something to our celebration of LENT such as reading more scripture or praise God more or doing something to promote our relationship with God. This again is not to earn points with God but is done in faith to show God – LORD I set apart this time remembering you and what you have done for me and I just want to honour you in this that I do.
1 Corinthians 11: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
Communion is an excellent way to remember Him. We are commanded to remember Him. This time of remembering what He did for us encompasses all He did for us -
He left His throne in glory to be born as a human. He lived a holy life without sin obeying the laws of God and the rules of man. He suffered the betrayal of a disciple. He was falsely judged and sentenced. He was beaten and abused by people in authority. He was humiliated by the Romans. He was beaten and abused and nailed to the cross. He died an agonizing death – not for His own sins but for mine, and yours and everyone who would believe and receive His gift of love. He died on the cross and descended into hell. He rose from the dead on the third day. He showed Himself to over 500 witnesses. He ascended into heaven. He promised to return again. This is the gospel or good news that we remember. It is worth remembering. We should never take the gift of God as a common thing. Truly His sacrifice was tremendous. It had eternal consequences for all of us. Because my Saviour died for me, I can live forever.
LENT is a time that we can consecrate ourselves fresh to God to remember God and to seek Him in a special way. It is a pleasure for us because as we seek Him, His presence comes and fills us with His love. The goodness of God is beyond any comparison. The ocean of His love that is higher, wider, greater, deeper, more than anything we can imagine – will wash on us afresh as we purpose in our hearts to seek the LORD and remember His goodness to us.
PRAYER
LORD I purpose in my heart to draw closer to You. I desire to know you. I want to draw closer. Holy Spirit draw me so that I can go after you. Holy Spirit fill me with the revelation of your love so that I might respond in love back to you. Fill my being with divine love so that I might love you more. Give me revelation of your goodness so that I might respond with thanksgiving and praise and worship. You are the reason that I live. I purpose to seek you and to find you and to honour you with all that I am. Amen.
