Lent is a Beginning

 

When we’re getting ready to travel overseas, we use a packing list to remind us of all the things we need to take. The list itself and the items on it aren’t important by themselves. They are only important with respect to the trip we’re going on.

 

In my last post, I talked about making a to-do list of things we can do as part of our Lenten observance. We should remember that the things we do aren’t that important in and of themselves. Their importance comes more from what we do after Lent is over.

 

The 40 days of Lent commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert prior to beginning His ministry. Jesus went into the desert for a purpose, to prepare himself for what the Father was calling Him to do. Likewise, whatever we do during this season should be preparing us for what we will be doing next. Many people get caught up in Lenten activities as an end unto themselves instead of looking at them as the beginning of a new way of living. We repeat this process of renewal each year because we will never be fully made new until we get to heaven.

 

Just as the Lenten season leads up to the death and resurrection of Jesus, let’s use this time to die to self so that we might be reborn at Easter. Spend time with Jesus, draw closer to Him, and allow Him to work in you.

 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”  (Psalm 51:10-12)