Abiding in EasterSample

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 1

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:9-13 ESV

Ash Wednesday is the liturgical beginning of Lent. This is a part of some church traditions that is roughly the 40 days leading up to Easter. Its roots come from a desire to focus believers on Jesus and on spiritual disciplines in this Spring season leading up to the celebration of His death and resurrection. The original Latin word related to “Lent” means 40, and this connects to Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness before He started His public ministry.

Traditionally, many believers will “fast” from something during Lent to help them think of Jesus’ sacrifice every day, leading up to Easter. I’ve done this many times, and I find it to be meaningful, helping me to be mindful. These daily devotional thoughts will hopefully stimulate your spirit during this Easter season and cause you to worship Jesus daily. We will focus on Jesus, His Deity, His Lordship, His Power, His fulfillment of God’s plans and His love for us. Just as Jesus was tested those 40 days in the wilderness, we need to test our hearts to see if Jesus is truly the Lord of our lives. Give yourself to this daily examination and allow His Word and His Spirit to discipline and prune you. And just as the angels were with Jesus, ministering to Him, our Lord Jesus will be with you on this journey.

APPLICATION:

Make a calendar appointment every day between now and Easter to meet with the King of kings. You might even put in your digital calendar. You might consider fasting from something during this season to help your physical being yield to your spiritual being.