“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-6
A blog post is not a private prayer made in my room, but I feel compelled to share my perspective on this faithful night. I attended a very powerful Ash Wednesday service tonight at my church, Faith Lutheran in Collierville, TN. The service was powerful not because of production values, but because of the message. And, the message is what got me thinking about what the true meaning of what Lent is and what it has become.
As I sat in the pew listening to a reenactment of what was going through Barabbas’ mind the night of the Crucifixion. (Barabbas was the murder who was let free, so that Jesus could take his place on the cross he was to die on) I heard about the sacrifice one Man made for all of man. The sacrifice of placing all sin on His back, going to the cross–his execution–for the purpose of forgiveness and hope.
Since I can remember, I’ve heard people talk about what they were giving up for Lent and they ate fish on Fridays. I was one of them. I gave up cokes, chocolate, swearing and being mean to my little brother–never was successful. We call all these things “sacrifices”. These were called sacrifices because we were giving up things we love or things that we didn’t like about ourselves.
However, Jesus had a choice of sacrifice. He had a choice of what to sacrifice. He chose to sacrifice Himself for us. Yet, we continue to sacrifice things that are selfish rather than make sacrifices for Him.
He died on a cross, we gave up diet coke. This doesn’t add up.
On this Lent I’ve come to see sacrifice in a different way. My sacrifice won’t be to do without something I like. No, my sacrifice will be to do more. To do more with my time, my thoughts, my actions and my decisions that honor His sacrifice.
And come Easter, I will celebrate and hope I will be renewed with a sense of grace, mercy and peace that only He can provide.
Thanks be to God. Amen
Matt, very well said. I’d like to link to this from my blog if you don’t mind.
@hendrixj – don’t mind at all if you do. happy to know you found my ramblings to be meaningful in your life.
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“He died on a cross, we gave up diet coke. This doesn’t add up.”
Very wisely and well said.
Thanks for sharing something about this aspect of your life. I love the perspective it gives.
Tina
Matt
you are so right. Our sacrifices are trivial in comparison to what Christ did. I’ve gotten into the habit over the last 4 years to really push myself during the Lent season.
I find myself trying to do 3′s. Two sacrifices and one opportunity. It becomes a real struggle sometimes but proves a great inflection point to consider the broader picture of Christ and his work.
Z
This is really beautiful, Matt. Yesterday on Ash Wednesday I was in MassGeneral with my mother, who had just learned that she has several malignant, fast-growing brain tumors. As I saw ashes on foreheads, I, too, reflected on the real meaning of Lent and giving vs. sacrificing. All day my mother, who had just learned she is dying, helped us come to terms with it — and shared stories of what we have meant to her. She gave selflessly when so many of us would have been self-absorbed. This is grace, and we all have it but often need to honor more.
Lois–I’m terribly sorry to hear about your mother. Both my wife and I have had cancer strike a parent and it’s such a scary diagnosis. Your mom and family are in my prayers. I hope that the strength your mom has shown continues to guide her throughout her illness. I’m at a loss for words.
Excellent post on the meaning of Lent and sacrifice. We went to Ash Wednesday service last night as well and I’ve been challenged to do more. Haven’t figured out what that looks like yet … but am pondering and praying through it.
One of our ministers (Christ United Methodist) shared his thoughts on Lent, which I loved:
http://www.cumcmemphis.org/default.aspx?p=19051&beid=105701
Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you for your insights. It’s so awesome when God reaches into hearts through the words spoken.