So here we are…tomorrow begins the season of Lent, or preparing our hearts for the Celebration of Easter. The word “lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for March “lenct”, which became the word “lencten” (the season around March), and as March is pretty much the main month for the 40 day (minus Sundays) preparation for Easter, it took the name of that season….thus we have “LENT”, or the Lenten season.
Throughout scriptures, there are times where God used a 40 period. In Noah’s ark, they watched as it rained for 40 days/nights. Jonah gave Ninevah 40 days to repent. God spent 40 days with Moses and Elijah in the wilderness. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing for his life of ministry. And the Hebrews spent 40 years wandering before they could enter the promised land. It would appear, that every time the number 40 is used, it is a time of trial, of struggle, and of humility preceding some great thing that God is doing.
Maybe each of these things really were 40 days. Or maybe 40 was chosen so that as these stories were passed down through the generations, we would remember the purpose of each of them…humility/trial comes before something great God is doing. Or maybe both. Maybe God directed each of these events to be about 40 days, to help his left-brained followers have a way of organizing the things God does by remembering certain numbers.
In any case…so it begins tomorrow. A time of 40 days of remembering where we stand in the grand scheme of God’s Kingdom. We stand as living dirt. We stand as walking dust. We stand as fallen sinners. We are in need of God, and His mercy. His Love. For this chunk of living mud, Christ died. Because He Loved/Loves.
It’s an aspect we can not forget, or leave out of anything we do in regards to God. We are so completely unworthy of the Holiness He offers to cleanse and dress us with. But He offers it wholly before even knowing our response.
Easter is a celebration of all that is encompassed within the resurrection of Christ. Have I been living that celebration with all that I’ve been this past year? I’ve tried. But I’ve fallen in many areas. I’ve been selfish. I’ve been “fleshy”. Could I just wait…not do anything…..and celebrate Easter, thanking God that I’ve been forgiven just the same? Sure I could. And the candy would still taste good.
But how much more incredible of a celebration will Easter become, if I’ve used the previous 40 days as a season of realizing how “in need” of Easter I am? How crucial to my very being it is that Christ lived/died/and was ressurected out of Love for me!
For every major event, it helps and enriches the experience to have a time of preparation. A time for us to reflect on who we are before that event, and to look forward at what can happen in/to us. The month before school starts….back to school shopping/talking to friends…the exciting anticipation of it all. The season of engagement before a couple take their wedding vows….nervous, excitement, hopeful dreaming, etc. The nine (ten really) months before a baby arrives…..anxiety, planning, joy, love building, etc…
And so it is with Easter. This lent season, use these 40 days (minus Sundays) to prepare your heart to truly celebrate Easter this year. Beyond the peeps and the chocolate bunnies. To truly thank God with your entire being for everything He’s done for you, and all He offers your for eternity. How can Easter become a more satisfying experience? In these next 40 days, give up something that you enjoy/love. Spend the resources you would usually devote to that thing on someone else or increase your tithe that week. Ask yourself these questions:
How have I lived since last Easter? Have I lived a celebration of Christ?
Who am I without God? What am I without God? What would eternity be, without God?
Search out opportunities to be humble. Serve that guy/girl who picks on you. Do the dishes when it’s your brothers/sisters’ turn. Take out the garbage without being asked. Do something unexpectedly nice, and do it without expecting any recognition at all. May God bless you this lent season…and may we all look forward to celebrating Easter. 🙂
words from wick 
wow my friend. That was an incredible post. Well written, clearly stated, insightful and reflective. You have matured and grown my friend. Truly you have. I can only hope the same is true in my life. May we both continue to live the resurrection life.
in Christ,J