Lent is a season of repentance and humility, a time where we are called to consider our human sin and frailty in light of the splendor and perfection of God our King. Psalm 2 is the first of many so-called “royal Psalms,” focusing on God’s kingly character. The psalm opens with a question that answers itself, establishing rebellion and the throwing off of God’s yoke as the desire of the nations and kings who conspire against the true King. The reaction of “He who sits in the heavens” is scornful laughter, highlighting the ridicule of one who will not be mocked.

People think of Jesus in many ways. Perhaps two of the most common is that he is a wise teacher or a great example. But this passage, which is the most cited in the New Testament, tells us of two of Jesus’ roles — priest and king.

James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, told the church that they should pray for each other. Those prayers, James said, are, “powerful and effective.” In actuality, the Greek words that James used are better translated, “powerful, having been made effective.” Our prayers are powerful because they have been made effective. What makes your prayers and mine effective? The resurrection of Jesus. It’s not how articulate we are when we pray. It’s not using special words or phrases. It’s praying in the name of Jesus, who died and then CAME BACK TO LIFE, that makes our prayers powerful. And when we pray for each other in Jesus’ name, things happen.

David was the second king of Israel and the bible describes him as, “a man after God’s own heart.” When you read David’s story, one thing that sticks out is how much David trusts God in some pretty horrible situations. For instance, when Saul was the first king of Israel and David was serving him, Saul became jealous of David and tried several times to kill him. David was forced to flee out into the desert and mountains and run for his life. During that time, there were at least two different times where David had Saul lined up in his sights and could have taken him out and become the king. But both times David resisted. He believed that if God wanted him to become king it would happen…

In the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament), three of the four authors write about Jesus experiencing a forty-day fast in the wilderness. During this time, we read that He was tempted by the devil. If you have been feeling temptation or thought about giving up on fasting or whatever you have set aside for Lent, you are not the first and you are not alone. When we commit to fasting and prayer, we put ourselves in a position to really hear from God. We also put ourselves in the enemy’s cross hairs. But the good news is that we can trust God to give us the strength we need to keep going as we believe for breakthrough!

James, who was the half-brother of Jesus, told the church that they should pray for each other. Those prayers, James said, are, “powerful and effective.” In actuality, the Greek words that James used are better translated, “powerful, having been made effective.” Our prayers are powerful because they have been made effective. What makes your prayers and mine effective? The resurrection of Jesus. It’s not how articulate we are when we pray. It’s not using special words or phrases. It’s praying in the name of Jesus, who died and then CAME BACK TO LIFE, that makes our prayers powerful. And when we pray for each other in Jesus’ name, things happen.

When we start to feel distant from God, God instructs us to SEEK HIM. That’s what Lent is all about. Setting aside some of the common everyday activities and objects of our lives so we can seek God in a greater way. When we do that, God promises, we will find him. When you seek me, you will find me.

Lent is an opportunity for us to be still, to take time to let the water of our heart settle down, so we can take a good long look and see who we are. There are so many things in our 24/7 world that keep the water of our heart sloshing around. May you set some of those things aside this Lenten season, allowing God to show you the condition of your soul, and helping you to grow to be more like Christ.

The season of Lent is a time when we determine to set aside some of our comforts to pursue a greater level of relationship with Christ. We give up something to gain something greater. We repent (which means to turn away from 180 degrees) of things in our lives that are keeping us from becoming who God calls us to be. We pick up some things, like prayer, reading the Scriptures, and serving to help us to align our lives with Christ. May the next 45 days be for you a time of growth as you pursue Christ and share in his journey to the cross, even as we anticipate the celebration of his resurrection.