Have you ever thought of Lent as a lesson in preparation? Understanding the importance of Advent and Lent, only prepares us for the gift of life and death through Jesus. Both seasons get us ready for the amazing work of God. Today, we are going to jump headlong into Lent as we begin our lesson of preparation.
Back in December, we discovered Advent as our Time to Make Room. It was all about preparation for the gift the world was about to receive. Now, we begin a new preparing as today marks the first day of Lent. As we read the scriptures, we will discover how intertwined God’s great love and mercy was for us back then and is still now.
Following Christ’s life helps us prepare and honor the greatest gift ever given. Because, Jesus’ last act of love through death, ultimately leads us to unexpected new life and transformation. To understand His sacrifice only makes the miracle that much greater.
Many mark this time by giving something up as Jesus did. Some shift into “adding to” instead of taking away. By doing more Christ-like things, we draw into who He is and become more like Him. Whatever you choose to do, do something! Honor this time by acknowledging it. I suggest spending more time in the scripture, following Jesus’ journey all the way to the cross. Don’t rush passed the pain, but intentionally move at a slower pace.
Prepare – Learn – Grow
The 40 days of Lent always reminds me of Jesus’ time in the wilderness. Let’s read it together.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
“Man shall not live on bread alone.”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
Pray – Fast – Give
Over the next 40 days, we are going to join Jesus in the wilderness. As we discover where He draws His strength, we will learn how to be stronger as well. Watching Jesus stand against the Enemy, teaches us how to stand. As we embrace this lesson in preparation, we will find God’s truth for our own lives through Jesus’ answers.
I hope you will join me as we journey with Jesus to the cross. This is a journey He chose. I pray you will choose to honor Him, as together we prepare for His death.
Let us pray,
Mother/Father/Brother/Sister God, be to us what You are to Christ. Show us how to grow in this season of preparation. Make us the disciples You created us to be. Give us a pure and humble heart, willing to sacrifice for one another. For it is in Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
P.S. Read and reread Matthew 4:1-11. If you have a Study Bible, read the notes. Dig into the references behind the words. God has a message for you. Choose to honor Christ through study from now until Easter Sunday. I promise you, it will transform your Easter experience. It may just transform you. -M
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God is Holy! God is Holy! God is Holy!