Lent, 2024 - Pt. 3

 

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on mall who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. (Ezra 8:21-23 ESV).

 

There has been a resurgence among non-Catholic denominations in the observance of Lent in recent years. Corporately, for example, churches from various denominations, whether Reformed or Southern Baptist, have put increasing emphasis on Lent in their services and studies. I have always felt there is great benefit in some observance of this holy season before Easter. In the next few days I want to explore the reasons for that. The first of these is that it helps create a high value in our need for the cross and Jesus’ work of atonement.

 

Most people associate Lent with “giving something up.” Certainly, self-denial plays a role, but Lent is much more than that. At its heart, Lent is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, and to ready our hearts to celebrate his resurrection. Fasting, reflection, and prayer all serve this main purpose. Lent is a process that builds a sense of preparation, anticipation, and appreciation for what Jesus did for us.

 

Many Protestants and Evangelicals remain wary of the trappings of rituals like Lent. For centuries, people have mistakenly viewed their participation in Lent as a means of earning God’s favor. In his article “Why Has Lent Become Cool With Evangelicals?”, Doug Ponder suggests the internet, unsettled lives, and love of experience play big roles is making Lent “cool” for Protestants. However, he affirms that Lent is something that Christians can redeem:

 

The heart of Lent is a season of fasting, which Jesus seemed to expect for his followers to do. After all, he said “when you fast,” not “if you fast” (cf. Matthew 6:16). In Lenten fasting we abstain from worldly pleasures to realize their power over us, to remind ourselves of our frailty and continual need of grace, and to rejoice that our appetite for sin has been forgiven and will one day be erased. I know of no Christian who would object to that!

 

I encourage you to practice some form of fasting during these weeks so that you might be reminded of our great need and God’s great provision.