I know this is really, really late but I want to talk about the season of Lent. I'm not a theologian or anything of that sort so I'm going to try my best to inform not only all people reading this blog but also myself. I'm really doing this for myself because I believe it is important to have knowledge about Christian tradition and history which is something that I lack in. A LOT!
If you grew up in the church all your life, then you know this particular season to be a time when you "give up" something in your life for a period of time. Back in my youth group days, I gave up internet, fast food, certain types of food, and the list goes on and on. I've been told over and over again that we should "give up" something but never fully understood why and the importance behind it; if any. So that leads me to ask many questions...
First off, what is Lent?
Simply put, Lent is the 40 days that lead up to Easter (excluding Sundays). During these 40 days, all believers reflect and meditate on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is when churches heavily emphasize the importance of prayer, fasting, and repentance. Basically, it's a time where we get back on track with our relationship with God in whatever way you feel convicted. If you feel the need to pray more, then pray more. If you feel the need to read Scripture more, then read more. You get the point right? This is obviously not out of habit or duty, but it should come from a joyful heart that yearns and thirsts for an intimate relationship with our Father.
When does lent begin and end and why is it 40 days?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to the day before Easter Sunday. Throughout the Bible, there are many significant numbers that are mentioned multiple times and this is one of them. Moses spent 40 days on a mountain praying to God, the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert, and Elijiah traveled to Horeb in 40 days. The 40 days represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness praying, fasting, and getting tempted by satan. This is why many people "give up" types of food or even straight up fast for forty days to imitate what Jesus did.
Is there any importance or significance to Lent or is it merely another "Christian" thing to do?
I believe there are many aspects why Lent should be of importance to all Bible believing and Christ following people. Of course, my reason may be different from yours and I would love to hear different aspects why Lent should be important and the things that we learn in this season. I also understand the argument that Lent is just another "Christian" thing to do on the list and that we don't need this season to reflect on the Death and Resurrection of Christ. I totally agree that we don't need Lent to repent of our sin and our need for forgiveness; that should be a daily part of our Christian walk. But knowing myself, I need this season of Lent to serve as a healthy reminder to myself to remember the Cross. I need to remind myself of the pain and sacrifice that Christ had to endure for my sin. Why do we have Veteran's Day or Black History Month or President's Day? We don't necessarily need those days; that's what textbooks are for. But honestly, if those days didn't exist on the calendar, then would we even remember the importance of those days? I don't even know when Veteran's Day or President's Day is. Oops.
So does that mean I have to fast?
That is totally up to you. If you feel convicted to "give up" something for God, then go ahead. If it will help you remember the Cross and the cost that had to be paid for your salvation, starve all you want. Well not literally, but you know what I mean. The point is, don't just "give up" something because you were told to do so in youth group or Sunday School. I think it's ironic how all the stories in the Bible that reference 40 all have something in common. You know what that is?
Utter Dependence. On God.
Jesus Christ depended on God for strength and wisdom when getting tempted by satan for 40 days. The Israelites depended on God for 40 years in the desert for food and water. Elijiah depended on God for food and water when he traveled to Horeb for 40 days. Moses depended on God for food and water for 40 days on Mount Sinai. Get the gist? Yes, all the scenarios had to do with the lack of food and water which God provided, but what's the bigger picture?
Dependency.
