Ash Wednesday - the herald note of the Lenten season. As someone who didn't grow up in a tradition that celebrates Lent, I have always secretly watched and wondered...watched the somber, sober reflection of the Ash Wednesday service, wondered if the ashen cross on my forehead might burn its way deeper, deeper, down into my heart?
It's not about ashen crosses, really. It's not even about "giving something up" or my little sacrifice. No - it's about Jesus. It's about looking forward, focusing, leaning in. Lent is about preparation. Lent is about what's real - not just for today, but for forever. Lean in and look hard.
Leaning in to Jesus. That's what I want to do. In the next 40-some days, I want to focus more on His sacrifice, less on me. I want to think about why Jesus came, why Jesus lived, why Jesus died. Less of me, more of Him. Less of me, much - much - more of Him.
Ashen crosses point the way to the end of this journey of Lent, which is at the foot of the Good Friday cross. It's an outward sign of an inward repentance. It's a symbol that cries out our understanding that it was our sin - the sin of mankind - that led Jesus to the cross. Lean in. Consider. Reflect.
Nothing is more sobering than realizing the cost - and the commensurate value - of our walk with the Lord. Without the sacrifice of the cross, there would have been no Easter morning resurrection. Without the cross, there would be no offer of eternal life. Without the cross, our sins would still stand between us and our Holy God.
Lean in with me this Lent, won't you?
Lean in to His love. Lean in to His grace. Lean in to His forgiveness.
When we are willing to expose our hearts to the penetrating light of the presence of God, we will find the joy and peace of relationship with Him. He is faithful. He is merciful. He is waiting.
Psalm 32:1-7
How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
How joyful is the man the LORD does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat.
Selah
Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You took away the guilt of my sin.
Selah
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found.
When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble,
You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.
Blessings,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
It's not about ashen crosses, really. It's not even about "giving something up" or my little sacrifice. No - it's about Jesus. It's about looking forward, focusing, leaning in. Lent is about preparation. Lent is about what's real - not just for today, but for forever. Lean in and look hard.
Leaning in to Jesus. That's what I want to do. In the next 40-some days, I want to focus more on His sacrifice, less on me. I want to think about why Jesus came, why Jesus lived, why Jesus died. Less of me, more of Him. Less of me, much - much - more of Him.
Ashen crosses point the way to the end of this journey of Lent, which is at the foot of the Good Friday cross. It's an outward sign of an inward repentance. It's a symbol that cries out our understanding that it was our sin - the sin of mankind - that led Jesus to the cross. Lean in. Consider. Reflect.
Nothing is more sobering than realizing the cost - and the commensurate value - of our walk with the Lord. Without the sacrifice of the cross, there would have been no Easter morning resurrection. Without the cross, there would be no offer of eternal life. Without the cross, our sins would still stand between us and our Holy God.
Lean in with me this Lent, won't you?
Lean in to His love. Lean in to His grace. Lean in to His forgiveness.
When we are willing to expose our hearts to the penetrating light of the presence of God, we will find the joy and peace of relationship with Him. He is faithful. He is merciful. He is waiting.
Psalm 32:1-7
How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
How joyful is the man the LORD does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit!
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat.
Selah
Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You took away the guilt of my sin.
Selah
Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found.
When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble,
You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.
Blessings,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
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