The Season of Lent
The 40-day season of Lent is a time preceding Easter. It is not something that our church practises, but the church calendar indicates that we are currently in this time of Lent, a time set aside to focus on Christ’s life, His ministry, sacrifice and resurrection.
It is good to spend time reflecting on what God has done for us.
Many Christians may give up something for lent to help them in their reflection. If it works for them it is good. Care must be taken that it doesn’t become a bargaining tool between them and God.
Our salvation is free for us, but it was very expensive. Someone else had to pay for it. It cost Jesus His life.
There is absolutely nothing that we can do to help pay for it, it is a free gift.
King Saul and his army had kept the spoils of war although God had asked them to destroy everything. He tried to bargain his way out of the compromising position he was in. The prophet Samuel told him, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Sam 15:22 NIV)
There is nothing that pleases our Lord more than our obedience motivated by a heart full of love for Him.
RM
