And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Mathew 27:51 ESV)
Lent invites me to enter the inner sanctuary of God.
As Jesus took his final breath on the cross, the temple veil tore from top to bottom. Access granted. Do I believe it's God's will that I enter the inner room? The Son says it is so. Will I accept His invitation?
Before the cross of Christ, a sinless priest could enter the inner room only once a year. His goal: make atonement before God for the people and himself. A priest deemed unworthy had to be pulled out by rope - we ought to approach our Lord in awe. It's a wonder priests ever came out alive, but indeed they did, and year after year they went back seeking holiness. Do I seek His Holiness? I have full access to the inner room of God's presence, my cost paid at the cross, but so often I don't enter in. Often, I have to be dragged into God's presence. Wouldn't it be amazing if people said of us that we had to be dragged out of God's presence?
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV)
In Lent, let us learn to walk boldly into the thrown room of God and endure His loving embrace. In Lent, let us join our Lord in a wild wilderness and overcome. In Lent, let us lean into discipleship.
Oh my soul, Lent is not deprivation. Lent is discipleship for the hungry girl within. An Easter feast will soon be laid before me, but first I fast this world and exchange it for the Word.
