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The church throughout the ages has often followed a calendar that walks its people through the seasons of the Christian story.  Through this liturgical calendar we move from Advent, which is the anticipation of the Savior’s coming, to his birth at Christmas and then onto Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter.  

In-between Christmas and Easter, the Church for over 1500 years has observed a season called Lent.  You’ve probably heard of it.  For 40 days before Easter many of God’s people choose to fast or “give something up,” like coffee, chocolate, or Television. 

But what’s this all about?

The purpose and meaning of Lent revolves around the desert.  For 40 days, we’re told in the Bible, Jesus fasted in the desert, being tempted and tried as he prepared for the start of his earthly ministry.  Jesus in the desert—we can only imagine what he learned in these dry wastelands; parched and exhausted, deafened by the voices of temptation and his own visceral growlings.  I suspect it was here that he refined the art of prayer.  Here in the desert he learned how to listen to his Father, to really listen.  Here in the quiet he learned to look deep inside himself, to depend, to be obedient. 

Lent revolves around the desert.

We might also think of the Israelites.  They spent 40 years in the desert, wandering like nomads, wondering why on earth God would subject them to such a painful experience.  Some have said that Israel had to spend 40 years in the desert because it would take that long to prepare them for new life in the Promised Land.  That it would take 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel: to put to death those things they had picked up along the way that separated them from God.  

This is what Lent is about:  It’s a season of stepping into the desert: for reflection, for refinement, for redemption. 

 Lent is an invitation to embrace both the pain and promise of Easter.  The pain of the ashes we find ourselves in, the pain that Christ suffered on our behalf.  But, also the promise of being raised from these painful ashes to new life, just as our Savior was raised from the dead and now lives. 

Lent, some people have thought, is simply about “giving things up.”  That to observe Lent is in line with a New Years Resolution: to watch less TV or to eat fewer sweets.  But this would miss the point entirely.  Lent exercises its power when we give certain things up in order to refocus on what really matters--our union with Christ.  Where I would normally shut off and watch television at the end of the day, during Lent I am reminded to refocus on what I really need: the grace of Christ that finds me as I am, but does not leave me where it found me. 

They say it takes 6 weeks to form a new habit.  Perhaps this Lenten season you and I might learn new ways of refocusing on what we really need too.

I invite you to step into the desert over the next six weeks: to give something up, and in some mysterious way to create space for your own change of heart.   I invite you into the pain and the promise of the cross: to put to death that which needs to die, and to rise again, restored with Christ.    

May we hear these words afresh today!  Joel 2:12-13, says, "“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

Prayer 

Lord, today I commit myself to walk the journey of Lent with you.  To step into the desert as you did, but to do it knowing that you are with me.  I am wholly aware of my need for redemption; and that to be made new again, doesn’t happen over night, nor does it happen by accident. 

During this season of Lent, as I give up certain things, may my small sacrifices be a way to clear the clutter of my life so I can see you more clearly.

During this season of Lent, Lord, I ask that you would put to death in me all that stands in the way of life with you.  Raise me to full and everlasting life with Christ, more and more.  Help me to feel the weight of my rebellion, my sin, but also to know the freedom and healing Christ has purchased through his painful sacrifice on the cross. Seal these things in me by your very Spirit.

Amen. 

For weekly reflections check out the Transforming Center or download daily readings from The Bible App (Select Reading Plans/Topical/Lent and Easter).