Living through Lent

 

We don’t normally practice Lent at Charis. However, this year we have made an exception and we are using the season to strengthen our faith by looking at themes which take us back to the basics. So yesterday, we started with a reflection based round the thought that God’s purpose in Christ was to unite the world to himself.

We see this unity or connection in three clear ways. We are connected with the Creator, the creation and the community of humanity – a principle established in the Garden of Eden but then spoiled through temptation and rebellion (cp 2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus enters into this temptation during his testing in the wilderness and begins through his life and consequent ministry to take back from the devil what he had stolen from God’s world.

Along the way, Jesus is tempted by the devil at three points, all of which, if succumbed to would abort his mission.  At the point of his identity, he is questioned about his Sonship, ‘If you are the Son of God’. In the area of trust, when the devil takes Jesus to the highest pinnacle in the temple he says, ‘throw yourself down,’ and see if God will catch you! And at the place of purpose, having shown him the kingdoms of the world he says, ‘All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus path was one of love and sacrifice rather than power.

For our part, we might ask where we enter into the temptations of Jesus? Are you struggling to see yourself in the image of God and to walk as his child? Are you failing in areas of trust, stepping in to assert your own authority over the rule of God? Or are you giving into the temptations of other things, settling for second best rather than God’s best for your life?

Lent is a good time to stop and consider these questions for yourself and to take time answer them with openness and honesty.

Also, we now have a forum section opened for Lent so you can go and post your thoughts, ideas, prayers, verses about what you are learning and hearing during this time. You can find it via Charis Explore or simply follow this link http://www.charislife.org.uk/forum.html.