reLENTless

Lent is a 40 day season (excluding Sunday's) in the Christian calendar that precedes Christ's death and resurrection. It is a time of intentional reflection and repentance. Christ after his baptism went through a 40 day period of temptation and fasting.

During this time Jesus was tempted by the devil. Often times we visualize the devil wearing a red cape with horns on his head. But in Matthew 4 the devil tries to play the best friend who is looking out for your best interests. 

He tempts Jesus three times. The first temptation is for Jesus to turn stones in to bread. "Jesus you must be hungry... why don't you do a miracle and make some food out of those stones." Then the devil takes Jesus on top of the temple. The devil says, "jump off, surely angels will save you." And the devil on the third temptation takes Jesus up on a mountain and says "I will give you all the kingdoms only if you fall down and worship me." Jesus... I will make you famous. I will give you friends. I will make you significant but worship me first.

Jesus didn't for one moment bow down to any of these temptations or tests. He was RELENTLESS. Jesus' ministry was not about fulfilling his needs but instead pouring himself out for the sake of others. Jesus' way to influence people and win friends was not to be famous but instead to become a servant.

Jesus walks in our shoes. We all have these temptations to play God and to be in control of our own Kingdom. But instead Jesus call his people to be RELENTLESS in their pursuit of him.

During this season many sojourners give something up. Some things that are significant and things that are not so significant. We put an added focus on God in the place of the things we give up.

What is standing in the way of you seeking and knowing God? This season is a season to practice if you can live with out it. Hope you and your family can be apart of the Lenten season and that it might just be formative for you.