Lent - A time of transformation

Lent is an observance which begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Easter. The purpose of this fast is to dedicate more time for the LORD, and to keep up what we have learnt even after the end of the fast. So, how do we go about this? In essence, we could think about the period of Lent, as a period for transformation - into the best possible version of ourselves which we can attain through the grace of the LORD. As with everything, we do have help on how to go about our transformation.

Redemption

The one thing which prevents and ruins our relationship with God is sin. It wedges a gap and if left unchecked it keeps widening and deepening the rift. While we cannot inherently do anything about it, we do have the option to repent and claim the redemption the LORD has offered us.

I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22

Our ledger is cleared and we have a wonderful chance, all we have to do is return to the LORD and live as He wills.

Reconciliation

In addition to the redemption, our Redeemer, who formed us in the womb, also wants to reconcile with us. This reconciliation brings us back to the original glory which was meant for us. A complete restoration. We inherit this promise through faith and obedience. Faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the Word of God. It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that we are redeemed, and thus bequeathed with the heavenly blessings. But this grace of God is not to be taken lightly. The more we receive, the more we are accountable. We stand by faith, but unbelief and arrogance on our part would undo everything.

Paul outlines this by comparing the Israelites with the Christians whom he was addressing in his epistle to the Romans. Israelites due to their unbelief were rejected and that led to the reconciliation of the world. Paul argues that their acceptance would have still meant life. But with this, he adds, if the LORD did not spare them, he would not spare us either. After all, He isn’t partial. The LORD’s kindness and sternness, goodness and severity are together seen here. This is a cautionary tale.

You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? Romans 11:19-24

Remembrance

Our redemption through the blood of Christ and reconciliation with the LORD demands that we do not go back to our old life of sin. We see from Israel that this sin and unbelief led to their rejection. We should be cautious to not repeat the same ourselves. David who knew and understood the LORD cries out,

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord—how long? Psalm 6:1-3

Trying to lead a holy life in accordance with the will of the LORD is not an easy task. But we do have help from the Holy Spirit who is with us as our Comforter. David speaks as a humbled, broken and contrite spirit under great anguish. His physical pain and sickness reminds him of the sin of the past and fears it to be a sign of God’s displeasure against him. But David, relents and repents for whatever he did against the LORD. This true change of heart is what the LORD looks within us. This is the transformation we need and with it, mercy will follow.

The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer. Psalm 6:9

Like David here, after he made his request to God, is confident that his sorrows will be turned into joy, so can we be confident that our change in heart will ensure that our prayers will be accepted by Christ our Mediator and in due time be answered.

True Transformation

The path is paved for us. We are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ as foretold and promised by the LORD. We are called to be reconciled and are offered back the glory originally promised to us - to be restored wholly. Our old sins are washed away, the old man is no more. To obtain all these, all we need to do is ask. If we were to ask with faith and without doubt, it shall be granted.

We see in the wedding in Cana, the miracle of water turning into wine. The prerequisite to that miracle was that Jesus was invited to the wedding, asked to do something for the shortage and the obedience of the servants. Likewise, let's ensure that we have invited Jesus into our hearts, acknowledge our shortages and obey the Word of God. May the merciful LORD help us in our journey.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18