Lent: What is it? Do we need it? (3/31/22)
Lent is a traditional season of forty days of preparation for Easter. It is celebrated by many Christian groups as a season of repentance, fasting and sacrifice to lead us to the time of Christ’s sacrifice. Often people will give up something for lent. It began on Ash Wednesday, March 2.
While lent is celebrated by many traditional Christian groups, it is not celebrated by many non-denominational churches like ours. We are not against it, but do not emphasize it because it was not celebrated by the earliest Christians in the New Testament. There is nothing wrong with a season of sacrifice, but such things do not make us more holy or acceptable to God. Unfortunately, some cultures celebrate Fat Tuesday as a day of excess before the sober season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. (The last time to party for forty days.)
While it is good to prepare our hearts for the week of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, it is not commanded anywhere. Before people had access to their own Bibles, Lent was probably useful in instructing the people. The church was probably the only “calendar” people followed in those days. There are still many people who sincerely observe it.
Regardless, we are in a season when it is good to remember our sins and the fact that Jesus would take them on the cross. Giving something up does not aid our salvation. He has already done it all! But spending more time in remembrance is certainly a good thing.
Perhaps we don’t mention Lent because we remember the Lord’s Supper every week, which also has to do with our repentance and his sacrifice!
This all reminds me of one of my favorite Chris Tomlin songs, “Jesus Messiah.”
He became sin who knew no sin, that we might become his righteousness.
He humbled himself and carried the cross, love so amazing! Love so amazing!
Jesus Messiah, Name above all names; blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel.
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven. Jesus Messiah, Lord of All.
His body the bread, his blood the wine, broken and poured out, all for love.
The whole earth trembled and the veil was torn; love so amazing, Love so amazing, Yeah!
Jesus Messiah, Name above all names, blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel.
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all!
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to this earth to take our sins. Thank you for rescuing us and redeeming us from our lost state. Prepare our hearts for the season of your Passion and Resurrection. Help us to give you any unconfessed sins and be cleansed by your blood. Bring fresh spiritual life to us. It is good to remember the death of Jesus and all that went with his passion.
Thank you for taking our sins and giving us your righteousness. Give us a fresh understanding of what you’ve done for us. Thank you for being our Redeemer, Rescue and Ransom. Thank you that you are still with us by your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.