Forty days of self-denial
February 17, 2010 (Wednesday)
Many Christians observe Lent, which begins today with Ash Wednesday and ends on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. As noted in yesterday’s blog, Baptists generally have not included events from the Liturgical Calendar in their planned events, but that is gradually changing, I think. Some Baptist churches join with the Liturgical churches in community events, such as a Lenten luncheon, observed weekly in a different church each time.
The Liturgical Calendar is a reflection of the events in the life of Christ. Lent, therefore, represents the 40 days in the wilderness experienced by Jesus after his baptism. It was an austere experience for Jesus, involving strict fasting and self-examination. The Lenten season is meant to reflect that in the experiences of believers. People do this in various ways, but the most commonly practiced is some form of self-denial.
Readers from religious groups which observe the special seasons of the Liturgical calendar may find my explanations inadequate and crude, but they are an attempt to explain to an average Baptist the reasons for such observances.
I think it is good for all Christians to seek ways to know each other better and work together as much as possible. We all face a common spiritual enemy. “God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels” (Ephesians 6:10-12 The Message).