LENT…A BIBLICAL LOOK

In my early life and ministry I did not follow the Church Calendar with those churches that observed the rituals that were a part of their tradition. However, I have come to see the value of taking part in Lent. Leila and I were introduced to Lent at an Ash Wednesday service at our church and found it very meaningful…The following are some personal thoughts that have come to me as I reflect on what Lent is all about in my life. It has to do with a biblical perspective of Lent.

1. I LOOK BACK…”They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” John 19:37 With the crowd that looked at the pierced body of Jesus, I look back at Him who died in agony on the cross for me. He died for my sins! I Corinthians 15:3
2. I LOOK WITHIN…”look to yourselves, that you do not lose those things we worked for”..II John 8. It is possible for me to be a loser in life as a believer. Lent is a time for self-examination and to confess what is wrong in my life and make fresh commitments to do what is right.
3. I LOOK OUT…”look on the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” ..John 4:35. Lent is an opportunity to be reminded again that Christ died for the whole world. It is harvest time somewhere in the world right now!
4.I LOOK UP…”For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20. Our blessed hope is the personal and literal return of our Lord. This world is not my home..”I’m just a passin’ through.”
5.I LOOK AHEAD…”Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” II Peter 3:13 According to God’s infallible promise, the best is yet to come. That petition we have so often made, “Your kingdom come , Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..” Will finally be answered! Amen. Only believers can be truly optimistic about the future.

(From my files)