Ash Wednesday is the start of the Lenten season,
40 days that commemorate Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness prior
to the start of His public ministry. The
40 day Lenten season ends just before the celebration of Easter Sunday. The Tuesday before is known as “Fat Tuesday”
or “Mardi Gras” in French, when all the sugar, salt, flour, and fatty foods in
the house were eaten or removed prior to the start of Lent. Traditionally, Christians “give up” something
for Lent, choosing to abstain from some type of food or activity during the 40
days. The Lenten season and Ash
Wednesday is a time for Christians to focus on the ministry and sacrifice of
our Lord Jesus by observing a time of prayer, fasting, acts of repentance,
service, self-denial and giving to those in need.
Luke 4:1-2
Then Jesus returned from the
Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the
wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil.
Jesus began his ministry by going into the wilderness and spending 40
days in preparation, praying and fasting. God was preparing to do a new
thing with His people. He was going to show His people that the Law was
not attainable, except by a perfect man. A perfect sacrifice of a lamb
without blemish or spot was required to provide for forgiveness of all mankind,
and bring them back into fellowship with God once again.
Acts 1:3 After
He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing
proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
After fulfilling God’s plan and becoming the perfect sacrifice for all
mankind, Jesus conquers death and the grave and makes a way for man to once
again have fellowship with God. Jesus then
concludes His ministry by spending 40 days with His followers. During
this time, He is preparing His followers to receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit, who will then guide them in all they do. God was preparing to do
a new thing with His people once again.
He was preparing the way for the Holy Spirit to live and dwell in each
of us continually. The Holy Spirit would
provide Christ Followers with guidance, protection, and power; Christ in us.
What will you do to commemorate this Lenten season? Are you ready for God to do something new in
your life, or with your life? The 40 day
Lenten season is a great time to renew your faith and commitment to the
Lord. Fasting and prayer can allow you
to communicate with God very clearly and prepare you for what God has planned
for your life. Commit this day to seek
the Lord over the next 40 days.
Psalms 40
I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me and heard my
cry.
2 He brought me up out
of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my
feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song
in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and
fear
And will trust in the Lord.
