Lent - Part 1

Lent starts March 5th. Consider observing Lent with your family or City Group. At its heart, Lent turns our gaze on Jesus in imitation of his sacrifice, in response to his grace, and in glory of his Cross. We strongly encourage not just "giving something up for Lent," but saturating in prayer and scripture. Consider using this devotional.By Ezra BoggsWhat a culture ‘values’ it will create a litany of words to describe or represent. Eskimos have over 400 words for snow. The most common are tlapa, tlacringit, kayi, Tlapat, klin, naklin, tlamo, tlatim, tlaslo, tlapinti, kripya, tliyel, blotla, quinyaya, pactla, hiryla and tliyelin.By contrast, and closer to our glacier-free geography, there are literally thousands of words on Urban Dictionary for sex. That said, and given the current profundity of adjectives being used, what word needs to be most readily affiliated with the Bride of Christ in the present culture?I’d suggest…sacrificial.As Bishop Todd Hunter observes: “We are surrounded by Jesus vampires that want just enough blood to get into heaven but have no desire for a relationship that demands full and complete transformation on earth.”I’m not sure even Tim Burton could conjure a sadder landscape in the midst of fiction; much less reality. And yet, we, the Body of Christ have a forthcoming opportunity to set disciplines and behaviors in place with intentionality in order to sacrifice in such a way that we can ‘let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven’ [Matthew 5:16b].I’m speaking of Lent.An old English word, meaning 'lengthen', Lent is observed in spring, when the days begin to get longer. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a period of 40 days for Christians to reflect and prepare prior to the celebration of Easter. Lent recalls the events leading up to and including Jesus' crucifixion by Rome, whereas Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is traditionally marked by prayer, fasting [both from food and particular activities], and beneficence.Those who still observe Lent in the 21st century use it as a time for prayer and penance; few fast for the whole of Lent, while others retain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In Roman Catholic observance, Ash Wednesday utilizes ashes as an ancient symbol of repentance (sackcloth and ashes) and human mortality, ("remember that you are dust"). The tradition of being marked with ashes at the beginning of Lent indicates recognition of the need for deeper conversion of our lives during this season of renewal.Most often, modern Christians sacrifice a particular vice (i.e., a favorite food, hobby, beer, sex ) for Lent. Whatever the decision throughout the Lenten season, the sacrifice is a reflection of Jesus' deprivation in the wilderness and a test of self-discipline.But…40 Days!? 40 is a significant number in Jewish-Christian scripture:In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain.The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land promised to them by God.Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.Now the part you have been dreading…Name an interest or activity you cannot IMAGINE being without for 40 days:Beer?Exercise?Sex?Social Media?TV?Video Games?Whatever ‘it’ is, the fact that being without it for 40 days inspires trepidation in you is a signal that your attachment or appreciation of ‘it’ needs to be scrutinized.Would your identity suffer without it?Would you suffer without it?Look for Part 2 tomorrow: The three traditional realms of Lenten sacrifice; prayer, fasting [both from food and particular festivities], and beneficence.