Psalm 99 - Lent

I frequently use the site biblegateway.com when writing my blog and preparing Sunday School lessons. It is a quick way to compare various versions of scripture. Along with using the site, I have become a "friend" of their fan page and receive occasional postings. About a week ago, biblegateway posted a question to its "fans". It asked:

"What are you giving up for lent?"

Over 200 comments (a much larger than usual amount) were attached in response to the question. I was really amazed some of them. The answers ranged from simply answering the question and stating what personal luxury they were sacrificing to some very critical comments about those that observe Lent and how the observance of Lent is not commanded in the Bible.

Oh My!!! How we miss the point!!!

You may have a different viewpoint on the issue but since this is MY blog, I will share mine.

Lent is not commanded in the Bible. Here are other NON-COMMANDS in the Bible that we regularly observe in my church:

*Sunday morning (11 am) worship
*Wednesday Prayer meeting
*Wednesday Praise Team/Choir Practice
*Easter "Blooming of the Cross"
*Christmas/Easter Children's programs
*Christmas Candlelight Service
*Sunday School
*Weekly Bible Study Groups
*Home Groups

*** Get the picture!

There are many, many things that we regularly do in the church that are NOT commanded in the Bible. We observe these because over the years the events have become meaningful and are ways for us to strengthen our relationship with our Savior.

So, back to lent? Should you observe lent?

I guess that becomes a very personal issue. Is the act of making a personal sacrifice for a prolonged period of time going to be a way for you to focus daily on the sacrifice that Christ made on your behalf; or, is it another "tradition" that you participate in because someone as commanded it or your church expects it.

Any act we do that reminds us of the majesty of the Almighty God, is an act of worship.  May each event you participate in be an event of the heart and a conscious decision and not simply an "expectation"!


5 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.