The book of Mark in the Bible opens with a quote from Isaiah: Behold I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “ Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. . .” (Isaiah 40:3) Today we begin the season of Lent, looking forward to the coming of Easter, and entering a wilderness in ourselves of paths to that day, of realizing and even experiencing the risen Christ.

The messenger of whom Isaiah and Mark were referring was John the Baptist, who would come before Jesus to enable the people to be receptive when Jesus began his ministry. We, too, receive a preparation in the season of Lent, if we purposely look for Jesus in our own lives. In my life it will mean more Bible reading and meditating. Lent begins with acknowledging our own wilderness, our own separation from a holy God, and need of Him in our lives.

The wilderness does not define us, but for this season we visit it in the light of the knowledge of the Easter that lies ahead. God prepared the arrival of Jesus not only through John the Baptist; but throughout the Old Testament, including Isaiah, there is mention of one who is to come who will be like no other, who would be a secure bridge between God and humanity, and who would restore God’s people to Himself. Lent is a time for remembering the days before the resurrection and the days since, and to find ourselves blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

The world today is not conducive to contemplation or meditation with its many ways for the world to invade our homes, cars, and minds; so maybe the very ancient observance of Lent is what we need to slow down and accommodate the voice of Scripture into our days and our awareness. When we walk to a chair, pick up the Bible, and sit down, there is not a soul in Heaven who wonders why we have come there. Instead, there is the Spirit of the Living God who listens and responds to our wilderness, and rejoices to find us seeking His word. Lent is a time to prepare the way of the Lord that will anticipate with confidence the fulfillment of the promises in His Book, realized in the resurrection of His son.

Have a blessed Lent!

Love in Him,

Prue