A Double-Edged Lent

It is hard to believe, but we are already standing on the threshold of another Lenten season. With only a mere handful of weeks between Christmas and Ash Wednesday, things can get pretty harried.

But when you are forewarned, you are definitely forearmed. Ash Wednesday will be here soon enough. With its arrival we begin our annual journey from Transfiguration’s mount all the way to Mount Calvary. Along the way, we encounter many familiar events and sayings. This year will be no different. As we move to the cross, our Wednesday Lenten services will contemplate the “Double-Edged Words of the Passion.” The theme verse for this series comes from Hebrews where the writer reminds us For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. In these midweek services we will ponder how the earthly speakers of some of the more familiar phrases of the Passion of Jesus Christ meant one thing and how our good and gracious God meant it for something completely different.

Make sure that you are exposed to both sides of Lent this year. This means Sundays and Wednesdays. This is even more important for us as we mark 2008: The Year of the Word. Make sure that your Lent is filled with time in that powerful word that can divide joint and marrow. It is powerful enough to save you from your sins and make you holy. Get into Bible Study. Heartily confess your sins. Kneel at the Lord’s Table. These are all places where that Word is living and active to make you eternally living and active. You are never too old to start. Take this blessed 40-day journey to heart. And let the Spirit wield His powerful sword on your heart as well.