It is 40 Days until we celebrate Easter. Brothers and sisters who worship in the Catholic tradition will attend mass and receive the mark of the cross in ashes on their forehead. It is a physical act to declare something spiritual. Lent officially begins.
Lent is for everyone. Forty days of focusing on the days before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, our brother, and the one who purchased our sin debt and made it his own. We are free because of His decision to take our place... so that we might be rescued and restored.
Knowledge of it all is quite humbling. The baby who was born in the little village that means "House of Bread" grew up to be broken for us. His purpose and the mission became clear. In the forty days before Easter, we remember the choice and the sacrifice. He stepped into our shoes and claimed victory for us.
He trusted the Father's will, even when it was inconvenient. He understood better than our human minds can grasp the "big picture" of our redemption stories. Connected, but individual and personal, too. The scriptures are full of glimpses into His heart and love for all of us. One person's biggest trial may bring another to the foot of the cross for rebirth.
Jesus allowed himself to be broken for us. He paid our sin debt in full! Cancelled. Paid in full in His blood.
"But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” -Matthew 4:4
Forty days of focus on the One who made it all right as a gift. It was a promise fulfilled.
Today, I am grateful Lent begins.
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