Lent – spring – commitment for growth

I am writing this blog on March 5, known as Ash Wednesday, the day when in many Christian traditions the Lent begins.  The word lent comes from Dutch lente, meaning spring.  There is nothing overtly religious in this word.  In time it came to be associated with the 40 days of fasting in preparation for the Good Friday, celebrating death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yet, as you reflect on the meaning of spring I invite you to consider this teaching of Jesus: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

Spring season, the lent, holds a mysterious paradox: that in the falling and dying there is healing, transformation, new life. First one must let go to receive the abundance.

After such a prolonged winter, everyone is awaiting the spring warmth.  My family can’t wait to get into the garden, to plant our organic kitchen garden.  Yet, I invite you to consider also what are you going to plant spiritually in your life?  What will you let go this season for God to fill you with His abundance?

This season is the season of fasting, giving up, covenanting, practicing spiritual disciplines, exercising yourself toward godliness (1^st Timothy 4:7-8).  You may not be ready for 40 days of fasting like Jesus did, but you could practice giving up one of your luxuries, learn self-sacrifice, and as you fast you will be reminded by your cravings of your commitment for personal growth.

Lent is the season of investing for harvest.  Will you invest into mentoring someone?  Will you befriend someone to introduce them to your Friend, Jesus?  Will you plant the seeds of Gospel in someone’s life this spring?

We as a church body also must consider what we do together corporately for the Kingdom growth this spring.  A group of 16 people from London attended the SEEDS church growth conference past Sabbath in Toronto.  It was almost symbolic – meeting on the first calendar day of spring J  the passion is high to plant a new church, to give a new beginning for yet another venue where the Three Angels message will be preached.  The first step in all beginnings is prayer, seeking God’s Will, God’s direction. 

May this season of lent, this spring will be your time of prayer for growth, prayer of surrendering burdens to receive blessings.  May this season be a time of investing, planting, starting new for God’s Kingdom.