Reflections on Lent

The Marketplace of the Word

Lent, the calendar time of late winter and early spring, the forty days—not counting Sundays—leading up to Easter, has been observed as a time for prayer and reflection on the life and ministry of Christ.  Reviewing Christ’s life of humiliation and suffering means: 1) giving attention to His wilderness temptations with Satan, 2) rehearsing the hard-hearted ways of men who resisted His teaching, 3) remembering His poverty and lowliness regarding the comforts of this life and 4) re-reading the trickery, deceit and envy of religious authorities during the week of His passion. Lent drives home: He was faced with the worldliness of the world. What’s the application for us? We can give ourselves to deliberate, sincere reflection on worldly and sinful ways with our own darkened heart.  I remember selling the puritan book, The Sinfulness of Sin. That might be a good selection to read during Lent.  This time of the church year can stir the Christian to go to the market place of the Word and purchase truth about Jesus, His mission in the face of worldliness, and His aim to honor His Father by giving up His life for His people. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

G. Mark Sumpter