March - Repentance

We are in the season of Lent. Lent comes from the Latin word, Quaresma, meaning 'forty'. There are quite a few time periods of forty in the Bible: the duration of the flood rains for forty days and forty nights in Genesis; Moses' forty days on the mountain with God in Exodus; forty years spend in the wilderness; the forty day journey of Elijah as he fled Jezebel; Jonah's forty day preaching in Ninevah; and our Lord's forty days of temptation before He began His ministry. One other I just heard recently - forty hours Jesus spent in the tomb. It is not in the Bible but it is traditionally thought.

Many Christians celebrate Lent - the forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Celebrate may not be the right word... or maybe it is. During the season of Lent, Christians are to examine their hearts and turn to God in humility and repentance. Some give up something during Lent to mark Christ's full surrender of Himself on the cross. Others add something to their lives such as a time of fasting each week or a specific prayer and study. The goal overall is to approach the cross each year with submission, a clean heart, deeper love for Christ, and hope.

Repentance is not just asking for forgiveness. It is a deep desire of the heart to return to God and an action that accompanies the desire of the heart. Peter said, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Jesus spoke consistently of repentance to John in Revelation. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3: 3, 19

It is not too late to begin your celebration of Lent. I anticipate many blessings to follow.