Lent is the perfect time to work on a closer walk with Jesus.
Last Sunday was Transfiguration Sunday. That wasn’t a term I ever heard as a kid. I knew the story. It’s when Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a mountain top and He transformed into His divine form. His face and clothes became a dazzling white and Moses and Elijah, who had been dead for centuries, also appeared. A cloud appeared and they heard God’s voice. He said, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Then it was done. Jesus transformed back into His human form. Elijah and Moses vanished. The voice of God was quiet. Peter, bless him, suggested they build shelters for the two prophets and Jesus and stay up there on that mountain forever.
Who could blame him? When we have mountain top moments, we want them to last forever. When we have breakthroughs in our Christian walk, we would often like to stay right there, on that retreat, or at that revival, or at that bedside where a miracle of some sort, occurred.
But, that’s not God’s plan for us. When we experience those intense moments, we are to learn from them and hold them close, but when a fire gets lit within us, we are supposed to spread it. That was Jesus’ Great Commission to all of His followers.
And let’s not miss what God said at this amazing mountain top moment. “Listen to him!”
Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the first day of Lent. For the next 45 days, these three little words really should be our mantra. As Christians, we are supposed to take this time to not only repent of the things that pull us away from God, (which is why some people choose to give something up during this time like wine, coffee or chocolate); but can also take this time to contemplate activities that can draw us closer to God.
We could commit to reading the Bible daily, or reading one of the Gospels, or all of the Gospels. If we really want to listen to Jesus, the Gospels are a great place to start. We could serve at a soup kitchen or volunteer to serve in some way that we don’t normally serve. We could commit to 15 or more minutes of quiet prayer time, if we want to hear Jesus, we have to be quiet and still. We could write in a prayer journal daily for Lent. These are all activities that draw us closer to God.
While mountain top moments are incredible and often life changing, truthfully, I can’t think of anything more satisfying and comforting than a very intimate walk with Jesus. The peace and joy that come from it are impossible to beat.
I’m going to try to make this Lent about listening to what Jesus said and closely examining what He did, knowing that although it will take me to the darkness of the cross, it will also take me to the other side, to the glory of Easter. The best way for an intimate relationship, is to know Him well.
Lent seems like the perfect time to deepen our relationship with Christ. What do you think? I’d love to hear from you. What are your plans for Lent?
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂