Lent: Prepare the Way of the Lord (Week 1)

“Lent is first and foremost about the gospel making its way deeper into our lives. This season is an opportunity to root ourselves in the good news that God saves sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time to take stock, examine our hearts, repent of sin, turn to God, reflect on the suffering our Savior endured to accomplish our salvation, and finally, rest in the assurance of that salvation. Observing Lent is not necessary or central to experiencing life in Christ. Furthermore, this is not a season of “doing penance.” Rather, having been sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit, Lent is a season where we intentionally set aside time to remember Jesus and the grace that is found through faith in him alone. Lent is not about our faithfulness, but rather about the faithfulness of Jesus on our behalf.” –Journey to the Cross

As a church we enter into this season to repent of all the things that make false promises of fulfillment and instead we turn our hearts and minds to the only One who truly satisfies our aching hearts, Jesus Christ.

Use these weekly Lenten devotionals for your personal use or together with your family.

Scripture Meditation

Hebrews 12:1-14 (spend time meditating upon these verses this week, read them together with your family)

Questions for Reflection

Here are the two most important questions you can ask after reading God’s Word: What is God saying to you through this passage (Hebrews 12:1-14)? What will your response be to what God is saying?

If we think that Lent is merely giving up the things we enjoy we don’t really understand what Lent is all about. Lent is about confessing and repenting of our sins so that we can experience the fulfillment and love that only Jesus Christ can give to us. Are there things in your life that are robbing you of your joy that you need to confess? Spend time confessing them an ask God to give you the strength to leave them behind.

Determine in your heart and mind that you will create margin in your busy schedule (for you and your family) this Lenten season to focus on the gospel so that you can fully embrace the joys of Easter on April 1st.

Artwork above (woman praying) is by Jenny Popp. Music by Fernando Ortega.