Living up to the lenten season

By Christopher Maina

 Majority of Christians are in the midst of the Lenten season. The more pious ones are living on water and little food, or no food at all for about 40 days. The rest are partially fasting by avoiding particular foods like meat on Friday’s. All are, however, expected to pray, without ceasing and abstain from anger, lust, envy and other sins. The crowning moment will be at Easter when the risen Christ will take away all sins and burdens. This is the most important season in the entire Christian calendar.

It is the season during which the Christian church is reminded of God’s undying love for mankind. ‘God gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life,’ John 3:16. That is the true meaning of Easter.

After 40 years in the wilderness, Moses spoke to the children of Israel saying: “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying, You have dwelt long enough in this mount; turn and take your journey and go… Behold I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give to them and their seed after them,” Deut: 1: 6-8.

After 40 days of prayer and fasting, it is time for you to go to the land the Lord your God promised you. And the 40 days are symbolic; they stand for all the years you have waited and hoped; wished and despaired. They stand for the many months you have seemed to go round and round in circles without making any headway. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years without God’s assistance because they did not seek Him. But once they repented, God renewed the covenant with them and promised to take them to the mount of the Amorites where He promised them land.

Your “land” is also set apart and waiting for your occupation. Do not worry that what you want is with someone else; or that a more powerful person is threatening your inheritance. The Israelites were also worried about how they could occupy the land of the Amorites who were greater and taller than them but Moses encouraged them saying, “Dread not, neither be afraid of them.” He said it even better, “The Lord your God who goes before you shall fight for you just as He did in Egypt before your very eyes.” Deut: 1:30.

Brethren, there is plenty of goodness in the dwellings of God. And He is willing to share with you His goodness. He promises health and wealth, peace of mind and love; and in the final analysis eternal life. But not everyone will be able to enjoy these good tidings. He demands total obedience. Doing His will even when it is discomfiting to do so. Despite his service to God and His children for over forty years, Moses did not reach the Promised Land because of a single instance of disobedience, which annoyed God so much.

Thanks to the death of Jesus Christ even the greatest sinner has a chance to repent and not end up like Moses. The blood of Jesus shed at Calvary has paid for the sins of anyone who repents. Behold a new dawn and a new life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He declared our past over at the cross and anyone who wants to enjoy His Kingdom on earth only needs to be cleansed with His blood. Everything else, the Gospel says, “shall be added unto you.”

So as I wish you a Happy Easter, I beseech you to always walk in the guidance of God and dwell in His house. Nothing is greater than serving God and dedicating your life to Him. Do it. Everything you seek, everything you hope for and everything you desire, shall come to you through your faith in Jesus Christ.

Have a happy Easter!

Published on April 2014