Embrace the 40-Day Feast: Journey with Jesus in Lent

Join the 40-Day Feast

The Protestant church has a checkered history with Lent. On the one hand, many of the earliest Protestants revolted against the forty-weekday stretch from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The Catholic Church had turned the pre-Easter season into a mandatory fast, promising spiritual merit to everyone who skipped some meals and avoided certain foods, including meat on Fridays. In response to such man-made religion, the Swiss Reformer Ulrich Zwingli began one weekend with a sausage dinner. Since then, a host of Protestants have followed Zwingli and ditched the Lenten fast.

On the other hand, many modern Protestants have sought to reclaim the ancient practice of Lent by grounding it in the gospel. Recognizing that every church follows some calendar or set of seasonal rhythms, these Christians take advantage of the late winter to till the soil of their hearts. Like Advent, Lent becomes an opportunity to prepare room for Jesus in the overcrowded quarters of our souls.

Reclaiming the Gospel in Lent

While some may view Lent as a legalistic observance, it can be a powerful season of spiritual growth and renewal when approached with the right mindset. Instead of focusing solely on self-denial or giving up certain foods, Lent offers an opportunity to reflect on the gospel and draw closer to God.

By intentionally setting aside forty days to journey with Jesus towards the cross, we can deepen our understanding of his sacrifice and experience a greater appreciation for the resurrection. Just as Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, facing temptation and preparing for his ministry, Lent provides a similar opportunity for us to examine our hearts and seek God's direction.

The Importance of Preparation

Preparing for Lent involves more than simply deciding what to give up or add to our lives during this season. It requires a heart that is open to God's leading and a willingness to surrender ourselves to his purposes. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus warns against practicing our piety before others and encourages us to seek God in secret.

During Lent, we can take this admonition to heart and seek to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. This may involve fasting, prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of service. By intentionally carving out time for these practices, we create space for God to work in our lives and transform us from the inside out.

Embracing the Journey

Like any journey, Lent has its ups and downs. There may be times when we feel discouraged or tempted to give up. However, just as Jesus persevered through his forty days in the wilderness, we too can press on and experience the victory that comes from drawing near to God.

During the season of Lent, it's important to remember that it's not about perfection or legalism, but about growing closer to Jesus. It's about allowing him to shape us and mold us into his image. As we walk this path with him, we can trust that he will provide the strength and guidance we need to overcome any obstacles that come our way.

Practical Steps for a Meaningful Lent

1. Reflect on God's Word

Take time each day to read and meditate on Scripture. Choose a book of the Bible or a specific passage to focus on throughout Lent. Consider journaling your thoughts and insights as you engage with God's Word.

2. Practice Fasting

Fasting can be a powerful spiritual discipline during Lent. Prayerfully consider what you may give up or abstain from during this season, whether it's certain foods, social media, or other distractions. Use this time of fasting to draw closer to God and rely on his strength.

3. Engage in Prayer

Set aside dedicated time for prayer each day. Use this time to express your gratitude, seek God's guidance, and intercede for others. Consider using a prayer guide or devotional to help structure your prayer time.

4. Serve Others

Lent is an opportune time to focus on serving others. Look for ways to bless those around you, whether it's through acts of kindness, volunteering, or meeting practical needs. As you serve others, you reflect the love of Christ and demonstrate the gospel in action.

5. Attend Church and Worship

Make it a priority to attend church regularly during Lent. Engage in corporate worship and participate in the sacraments. Use this time to connect with other believers and draw strength from the body of Christ.

6. Reflect and Repent

Take time to reflect on your own life and examine areas where you may need to repent and seek forgiveness. Lent is a season of repentance and renewal, and it's an opportunity to bring our sins before God and experience his grace and forgiveness.

7. Seek Community

Don't journey through Lent alone. Seek out a community of believers who can support and encourage you during this season. Consider joining a small group or participating in a Lenten study or retreat.

A Time of Preparation and Transformation

Lent is not just a religious tradition or a time to give up something temporarily. It is a season of preparation and transformation. As we journey towards Easter, we are reminded of the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Lent provides an opportunity for us to align our hearts with his and deepen our relationship with him.

So, in this year 2023 and beyond, let us embrace the 40-day feast that is Lent. Let us set aside time to reflect on God's Word, practice fasting, engage in prayer, serve others, attend church and worship, reflect and repent, and seek community. May this season be a time of growth, renewal, and a deeper encounter with the living God.