The Lent Season begins six weeks before Easter Sunday. It is a time of repentance and preparation. In Lent, we remember the temptation of Christ in the wilderness and His journey to the Cross. We become aware of how Christ humbled Himself and how God calls us, also, to humility as we participate in His redemptive purposes. We consider, also, what our own place of service and sacrifice is in His divine plan.
Lent concludes with Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we think of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, knowing that soon He would be rejected by the very ones who waved their branches and shouted Hosanna! Many Christians talk about what they are “giving up” for Lent. But that needs to be understood in the context of what we are taking on. That is, what am I willing to let go of so that I may accomplish the destiny God has for me?
Jesus extends this invitation:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)
Paul put it this way:
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
In closing, the forty days of Lent is an opportunity to enter into the purpose, passion, and power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and be made more like Him. So what are you "giving up?" Is it unforgiveness, bad attitude, bad financial stewardship, Go-Go music, dates, self-dishonesty, pride, bad language, shopping? When making your decision, please be honest with yourself. God already KNOWS the things that are keeping you from getting closer to Him.
DON'T PLEASE PEOPLE, TRY TO PLEASE GOD
Written by COWBOY4EVER
No comments:
Post a Comment