Yesterday, we began the season of Lent. Lent is Latin for the word “spring.” As you may have guessed, the name has nothing to do with the actual church season.

Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for the greatest miracle in human history: The Resurrection of Jesus. Lent can also be a time of introspection and soul searching. Personally,  I use Lent to return to the inescapable truth that I need a Savior. I need Jesus who will save me from my sinful self.

As the prophet Joel once wrote, Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13

It is not about the outward signs of showing remorse (rending your garments), Lent is about opening our hearts to Jesus so that he can mend them back together.

Jesus accomplishes this on the cross when he died for our sins. Simply, He takes our place. As Paul wrote, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

I want to be ready to remember that great gift on Good Friday and that is why I spend Lent getting ready to receive the undeserved gift given to us at Jesus’ death.

Even then, death doesn’t have the final word. Jesus conquered death AND he forgave our sins. That is a double win!

Isaiah reminds us that our King is perfect and wants the best for us!

In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. Isaiah 16:5

Jesus was coronated King of kings and Lord of lords on Easter morning!

Take some time to look inward over the next 5 weeks. It is good for you.

God bless,
Pr. Ben