Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 1 of LENT Ash Wednesday, March 8

The beginning of Lent is now upon us. The winter recedes. The lengthening days are vividly evident, and from the joy and innocence of the Christmas season we march steadily, annually through Epiphany to this time of reflection, introspection, fasting and penitence. We're told that early in His ministry Jesus went to the wilderness and fasted for 40 days. During that time of separation from his means of earthly well-being, toward the 3 years of the most unique ministry the world has ever seen, surely most of the unresolved issues of his unique personhood must have been satisfied. He was never the same afterward. For that matter, neither has the world been the same. It is upon that example that Christendom has adapted this forty day observance from Ash Wednesday to Easter. As Christ gave up all earthly amenities for that forty day period; so, too, are we admonished to "give up something for Lent." The season begins with Ash Wednesday where the age-old tradition of placing ashes on the foreheads of penitent believers is remembered and even practiced in some Christian circles. For in practice, the value of the season ahead, this 40 day observance is the reality of grace that one receives as these rites provoke the believer to remember and appreciate the supreme sacrifice that was presented upon their behalf so many years ago. So it's not the "giving up something for Lent" that becomes the importance of the observance of the season. The outer symbols become the testimony that everyone has always needed a Saviour, and that Jesus Christ is the only One who is that person in our lives. It is a reverent and even solemn time of reflection. After all, the "price that has been paid" is one of enormous effort and cost. The whole process nearly demands that we acknowledge that we are totally unworthy of such care, such interest, and such consideration from the Divine. All of this contrast between human and divine should bring us to a place of personal penitence, even if we have observed this tradition faithfully for years. It is interesting that the term "Lent" was initially used to describe a period of preparation for new believers to ready themselves for baptism into the Christian faith. Later it became the term describing any season of penitence and personal reflection. It became associated with this particular season as the years went by. Christians began to realize that Christ's Kingdom was, as He had said, already within and among them. What had Christ done to make that so? He had given up Himself from the very beginning. He had poured out all of His own self interests and had totally given everything for you and me. Can we do less and still realistically call ourselves followers of His way? So, walk with us as we reflect upon how He not only did that, but how He continues to do that in our lives even yet today. Joe Hittle Ottumwa, IA USA Father, From celebration to personal reflection... As I begin to ask, seek and knock, hear my prayer as I take this journey, kneeling in awe at the power of your example. I ask nothing more than to be totally consumed by your presence, your love, and your grace as I seek the peace and assurance that moving closer to you brings to my life. Do your work, your way, in this responsive heart. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 32, 143] [Amos 5:6-15] [Heb. 12:1-14] [Luke 18:9-14] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 6, 5:10 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Joe Hittle The background set is provided by In His Image Cross button courtesy of The Christian Graphics Gallery Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.