Starting Today
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord … (Acts 3:19)
The journey of Lent begins today on Ash Wednesday and continues to the cross and from the cross to the empty tomb!
As I contemplate the words for this devotional, I’m looking out my window at the sunshine. The temperature is still on the cold side, but I know that spring will soon be in the air and the days are beginning to get longer. Spring brings new life; flowers bloom, grass greens (and grows), and we’re able to just feel better physically and mentally by getting outdoors once again. Like this promise of seasonal change, the season of Lent can move us toward a renewed spiritual life.
Our Lenten journey is a time for us to participate in reflection and this spiritual renewal. A time for reflection on the life of Jesus – His suffering and sacrifice and of course, on His death, burial, and resurrection.
Ash Wednesday is the first day in our 40-day spiritual journey. Here’s a “did you know” moment. The number 40 is used in scripture 146 times. Many of the references demonstrate a period of testing, trial, and in the end triumph. I encourage us all, as part of our Lenten journey, to explore some of these “40 years” stories. As an example, Exodus has a few that apply to the experience of Moses and the Israelites. Also remember Jesus’ time in the desert. Most of these stories will teach us about hardship, endurance and becoming more spiritually aware of our need for God.
At our Ash Wednesday service ashes are placed on the forehead as a ritual to remind us of the words in Genesis 3:19, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This is a reminder of what we are this side of heaven – dust and ashes. Receiving ashes can also represent the dying of our old identity as sinners and being transformed into a new one where the God is once again at the center of our lives.
During Lent’s six weeks, a season of self-examination and reflection, many Christians might make commitments to fast or give something up like sweets, or something one really enjoys. I remember as a kid, I made a promise to be nicer to my siblings. Boy what a challenge! Some strict observers of Lent give up eating meat on Fridays. Many Christians will take on more Bible reading time and spending more time in prayer. These actions are intended to strengthen spiritual discipline, deepen faith, and develop a closer relationship with God.
In this time of reflection, we must be really open with God - to be honest regarding our sins and bad habits. He’s aware of what needs to change about us, but we need to to confess, to repent, and to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to bring us through the journey. How much grander will the Easter celebration be when we know the burdens of past sins are removed!
Almighty God, through these six weeks of Lent may we focus our minds and open our hearts to receive You more fully. Holy Spirit help us to shed sinful desires and create in us a right spirit. May we truly discover how to be open to Your will and as such, have Your will be done. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.