^“31I die every day! That is as certain, brothers and sisters, as my boasting of you—a boast that I make in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15.31

We're at the start of the season of Lent. It’s a time of prayer, fasting and self-examination to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter.

Lent is 40 days, just like other significant time periods in the Bible; the flood of Genesis, Moses’ time at Mount Sinai, Elijah’s journey to Mount Horeb, Jonah’s call to Ninevah to repent, and Jesus’ time in the wilderness. The number 40 refers to a time of testing that leads to new life and new growth. (The Sundays in Lent are not counted).

What we remind ourselves of, and listen for, during Lent is the power and possibility of the work God sent Jesus to do, and that the way of the cross to Easter is through death. As the Bible writer Paul references in the above Scripture quote the reality of Jesus’ resurrection then sets the stage for our own new life - to live for Christ, we must die with Him. New life requires a daily surrendering of the old life, letting go of the present order, so that we may embrace the new humanity.

The power of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection on the horizon ahead draws us into repentance and lifelong changes in our values and behavior become possible.

There are a lot of ways people observe Lent that are spiritually nourishing, and what works for one might miss the mark for another. We want to be cautious that we don’t get sucked into a to-do list just for the sake of having something to do over Lent. Theologian Karl Barth warns us against this by reminding us our lives are set apart not because of what we do, but because of what Godin-Christ does through us.

May we all use 40 days of Lent do some holy dreaming about Christ’s call for our lives.

Together We Serve and Dream,

Pastor Mike