Background of Lent

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 and goes through Easter, April 5. Although not regularly practiced by many Protestant denominations, it has been a part of the Church Calendar since the early centuries of Christianity. Just as we celebrate Advent during the season of shortening days – the Light of the world entering our darkness – we celebrate Lent (which comes from the Old English for “spring season”) as the days lengthen, anticipating the dawning of the world to come. It is a season of repentance and anticipation, looking toward Easter and the hope of Jesus conquering sin and death through the cross and resurrection.

The season of Lent is traditionally marked by fasting or giving up some worldly luxury (referred to as a Lenten sacrifice). Sadly, fasting is not regularly practiced by many American Christians, but in Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus teaches that when he ascended into heaven, his followers would fast. But with a difference. As with other spiritual disciplines (like prayer and financial giving – Matthew 6:1-18), it was not to be a public display seen by others, but something private to draw us near to the Father. 

A Different Approach to Lent

In Matthew 9, Jesus goes on to teach about unshrunk cloth patches and new wine. What is this about? The new practice of fasting is based on the arrival of the Bridegroom who has betrothed us. We are in the “engagement period,” looking forward to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb that will be the beginning of the age to come (see Revelation 19:6-9). Just as Jesus is currently fasting from the cup of celebration (see Matthew 26:29), during Lent we separate from things of the world to focus on the world to come. In Colossians 3:1-2, we are given a blueprint for growth in grace. It is not through “trying harder” or setting up rules and boundaries (something warned against in Colossians 2:16-23). Instead, we find personal transformation by intentionally focusing on “things above,” Jesus and the fullness of his coming kingdom. It is this starting point that enables us to “put off” sinful habits and “put on” Christlikeness (see Colossians 3:5-17).

As a church, this is how we want to approach Lent. In fact, think of fasting as creating space for God. We deliberately get rid of earthly distractions to more readily focus on “things above.” Consider particularly your “go to” sources of comfort when life is stressful: food, entertainment, alcohol/marijuana, news, music, working even more, or cleaning feverishly. Where can you take a step back? How can you intentionally hit pause, and seek God instead? What would it look like to purposely abide in Christ, believing his promise that if we draw near to him, he will draw near to us (James 4:8)?

Some Practical Suggestions

Our lives are crammed with tons of activities that squeeze out time with God. Let’s use Lent to take time back! Push against the incessant voices and ubiquitous technology that often tangles us in its web.

• Commit to not looking at your phone upon waking until you’ve spent time talking to God, reading the Bible, etc. This need not be long! Taking 15 minutes to read a Psalm and pray will be significant if you have no daily devotional practice.
• Commit to leave the TV off on weekdays (or at least one weekday evening). Instead, spend that time connecting with friends or family members, and be intentional to pray before bed and read another short passage of Scripture.
• Is social media a time sink? Do you scroll or watch reel after reel? Put aside social media for Lent. And remove the apps from your mobile devices to avoid the nagging temptation. When you feel the pull, use it as a reminder to talk to God. Then initiate a conversation with someone in your home, or pick up the phone and call a friend. 
• If food is a source of comfort, commit to avoiding snacking between meals or after dinner. Perhaps give up desserts (or salty snacks) altogether for Lent.
• If alcohol/marijuana is a stress-reliever, commit to taking a complete break for Lent. (This is especially important to consider if these things cause conflict in your relationships.) Who is one person with whom you could share this choice? 
• Are you watching porn, or reading fiction that you hide from others? Ask God to forgive and invite him to fill this space – he would be delighted! And pray about who you can invite into this secret to walk with you.
• Dedicate your commute to God – leave off the music, podcasts, audio books, etc. and be in the (relative) silence with God. Know he is present and talk with him. If this seems too hard, consider a quantifiable step: one way of the commute, or 2-3 days of the work week (T-Th or M-W-F).
• Does reading/watching the news consume your time? Consider taking a news fast altogether, or limiting your engagement to a set period of time each day (say, a half hour newscast, short podcast, or defined reading period).
• Are video games your go-to escape? Will you put them on the altar for this season and use some of that time to seek God daily? If that seems too hard, will you take a break during weekdays and only play on the weekends?

Final Thoughts

It is a hard lesson to learn that God is the God of all comfort – Paul only got there after being so hard-pressed he despaired of life itself (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-10). But as we let go of other places we look to for “life,” we will find he is who he says he is!

The Lenten goal is to make space for God. To reflect on what Jesus accomplished for us and the hope of his coming kingdom. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). May we take God at his Word and believe his promise that if we draw near to him, he will draw near to us. 

The Christian life holds more fullness for all of us than we have yet tasted! Do you believe this? Let’s choose together as a Body to use Lent to starve our flesh in order to create a greater hunger for Christ and his kingdom! 

Finally, with whom can you confide your Lenten commitment? The goal isn’t boasting, but accountability. Starving our flesh is serious business. It is a spiritual battle. We need brothers and sisters who know us and will encourage us as we seek to walk this out! Leaders of your Community Group or Bible study would be safe people to confide in. Or an elder or member of the diaconate.

Looking forward to how God will use this season to bring revival and greater joy to all our hearts!

Pastor Dave

If you’re looking for something to read daily, this Lenten Devotional from Gospel in Life is a helpful resource.