Denied!

“Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
—Luke 9:23

This Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent. These forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (excluding Sundays) are traditionally a time of repentance and re-commitment in preparation for the joy of Easter Sunday.

For centuries, Lent has been a time to begin, or re-begin the practice of denying oneself daily to better become a disciple of Jesus. Lately, however, it seems to be a misunderstood practice often equated with New Years resolutions.

The practice of giving something up for the forty days of Lent is not about “self-betterment” but rather, “self-denial.” It is derived from the Biblical example of the forty day fast. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all had a time when they fasted forty days in order to draw nearer to God. For Moses it was before he received the Law, for Elijah before he heard the still small voice, and for Jesus before he began his public ministry.

As we look at these examples there are three things to note.
  1. What they gave up was essential, and not simply a convenience.
  2. Their self-denial was coupled with intense seeking after God’s will.
  3. What they received as a result was worth the self-denial.

Certainly there are times when giving up a strong desire (Chocolate) can help you focus on God each time that desire arises. But I challenge you this Lenten season to consider giving up something essential, maybe lunch, and coupling that denial with seeking after God’s will.

Homework this week: Attend Ash Wednesday service. Consider in what way you might deny yourself and take up your cross this Lenten season in order to follow Christ.

If you are considering a full food fast, ask yourself, “do I feel that God is calling me to a fast?” If there is any doubt, don’t pursue it. It is only through God’s call and empowerment that a 40 day fast is possible or beneficial. Remember, each person in scripture who completed a 40 day fast, only did so once in their lives.

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