Looking back at Lent

***Editors Note – I posted a new podcast today – a sermon from Lent***

Eastertide is here and it is blissful. But, I didn’t want to move on to Easter without first taking a look back at Lent and offering some reflections.

True to my promises, I have been going on a meat eating rampage. This weekend was bacon time and it was glorious! I haven’t had a really good burger or a steak yet, but they are coming! The best part of leaving behind my vegetarian ways is the return of sandwiches for lunch. I am a big sandwich guy and the grilled cheese and BLTs minus the B were not cutting it. Hello roast beef my old friend, good to have you back again.

For the last couple of years during Lent I have really concentrated on just listening. I have tried to get quiet and hear God more intentionally. Each time, within a matter of days I have received a major answer to prayer. Which lead me to wonder how poorly do I listen to God most of the time. If I get clarity on major questions days into Lent, how little am I actually listening most of the time?

There was one passage that I concentrated on most of Lent. Paul’s words in his final charge to Timothy from 2nd Timothy 3:10-4:8 became my Lenten Word. I read and reread this passage and each time it spoke to me differently. One thing it really spoke to me about was regaining the Word’s central place in my seeking of God. Somewhere along the line, especially with a new sermon each week, the Bible became part of my job instead of part of my life. Lent helped me recapture my love for God’s Word and reminded me that throughout most of my life that is where God has most clearly spoken to me.

Paul’s words also challenged me to look back as I look forward. In 3:14 he tells Timothy, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” That was the word of encouragement I really needed from God this Lent. I live in a strange ministry world where I am trying to operate in different ecclesiastical worlds all the time. Sometimes it is really hard being a Nazarene working with Methodists, delving into the Emerging Church, who was trained by Baptists, Anglicans and Evangelicals. There are time when I struggle sorting it all out, especially in regards to my future and God’s calling on my life. But, when I stop and think about my story with Christ, and the spiritual heritage that continues to shape and guide me, I don’t need to doubt who I am and who I am called to be. No matter the opportunities or divergent paths I encounter.

The wilderness journey bore much fruit again this year. I lament my own lack of discipline and wandering mind doesn’t maintain the disciple of Lent throughout the rest of the year, but for Lent I give thanks to God. I give thanks for the example of Christ, and I give thanks that it is Easter and we live in a time of resurrection.

I hope your Lent was beautiful and your Eastertide is joyful!