Lent

Have you given something up for Lent? If you have, why?

The practice of Lent is a Catholic practice that went by the wayside in Protestant Churches following the Protestant Reformation. It was seen as something that was extra-Biblical - and it was.

Lent was not formally practiced until the mid-4th century, following the Council of Nicaea. Originally, it was a 40 day fast, where those who were participating would only eat one meal each day, and it had to be after 3pm. The idea/design was that this time would be used for repentance and reflection as one prepared their heart for Easter Sunday. Over time, lent transitioned away from an all-out fast into a simple fasting from one thing, like we see today.

While Lent is not Biblical, it does have Biblical principles. The idea of fasting is Biblical. Jesus, right after He teaches His disciples how to pray, says: when you fast, fast like this. (Matthew 6:16-18) The implication was that we, as followers of Christ, would be fasting. That we would be intentionally abstaining from something in order to draw closer to the Lord through times of prayer and Bible reading.

It’s a great idea to prepare our hearts for what is coming. Easter Sunday is right around the corner - less than 40 days now! Are you prepared? I hope you are, because if we are being honest, Easter Sunday is every Sunday. Jesus has risen from the grave. Death has been defeated and it has now lost it’s sting. Those who are in Christ will live with Him forever in heaven. Are you prepared?

Have you drawn near to God lately, or are you waiting for Sunday to come? Do not wait any longer - draw near to Him now! Evaluate your life and see what is hindering you from drawing near to Him - and fast from that thing. Abstaining from something brings about withdraws and can be used as a reminder to draw near to the Lord. What’s keeping you away from Him? Is it your job? Is it your phone? Fitness? Fleshly desires? Let’s remove all these hinderances together.