Embracing the Lenten Season: A Journey Towards Easter

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Easter is coming soon! I know, we are still in the midst of brutal snow and winter. January has been a beast. But February 2nd is Groundhog Day. Our Souper Bowl Lunch is on the 8th. Valentine’s Day is the following weekend, and Ash Wednesday is February 18th. That means we are practically at Easter! I know, I might be a little ahead of myself.

As a child, I was not big on Ash Wednesday. My Baptist church was not big on Ash Wednesday or the whole Lenten season. Maybe it felt ritualistic, putting ashes on our foreheads and the like. But as an adult, I have come to appreciate Lent and the Lenten approach. No, I am not suggesting Fish on Friday and all of that. However, I am a fan of taking time to focus, to get back in tune, and to use that time to renew your relationship with God.

I like to treat holidays like Christmas and Easter as seasons rather than just days. Coming out of the Red-Letter Challenge, I am excited about the next forty days—the forty days leading up to Easter.

Photo by Attila Janosi on Unsplash

The Call to Restore Relationships

For me, everywhere I turn, there is a tug to use these weeks to restore my relationships. Tucked away in the book of Numbers, there is a special pledge called a Nazirite Vow. Numbers 6 describes the process one needs to take: “If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to the LORD as a Nazirite” (Numbers 6:2). Samuel and Samson in the Old Testament, as well as John the Baptist in the New Testament, speak of this vow.

Numbers 6 describes it as a vow taken by men and women alike, purely for personal reasons, such as thanksgiving for recovery from illness or for the birth of a child. The vow had a specific time frame, a beginning, and an end, as these two statements indicate: “Throughout the period of his separation he is consecrated to the LORD... Now this is the law for the Nazirite when the period of his separation is over” (Numbers 6:8, 13a).

So, the Nazirite vow usually had both a beginning and an end. Although the Nazirite vow is an Old Testament concept, there is a New Testament parallel that we can explore.

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

The New Testament Connection

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

For Christians, the ancient Nazirite vow symbolizes the need to be separate from this world and to be a holy people consecrated to God (2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15).

Now, the Nazirite vow usually called for not cutting one’s hair and involved special sacrifices when the vow ended. We will forego these. I get harassed enough for not trimming my beard every three weeks, and there really is no place to put cows in the building. But the concept is one I hope you will entertain over these next few weeks.

A Journey of Spiritual Growth

Use the weeks before Easter to get closer to God and delve into your Bible. Reflect on your life and relationships. See if God might be trying to tell you something. This period can be a time of spiritual growth and renewal.

Consider setting aside moments each day for prayer and meditation. What if you took a few minutes to simply sit in silence? Allow your thoughts to settle, and listen for that still, small voice.

The Importance of Community

During this season, remember the importance of community. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Engage with others in your church. Share your experiences and listen to theirs. There is strength in unity, and together we can support one another in our spiritual journeys.

Serving Others with Love

As we approach Easter, let us also focus on serving others. Acts of kindness can transform lives. Consider volunteering your time or resources to help those in need. It’s a beautiful way to embody the love and compassion that Christ showed us.

Preparing for Easter

As we prepare for Easter, let’s remember that it is not just a day but a season of hope and renewal. Embrace this time to reflect on your faith, restore relationships, and serve others.

In conclusion, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s make the most of these forty days leading up to Easter. Together, we can grow in our faith and deepen our connection with God.

May this Lenten season be a time of transformation for us all.