Lent: Reflecting on the Life of Christ
This Lenten season, Pastor Thian Chye exhorts us to reflect on the life of our Lord Jesus and imitate Him.
Last week, Joshua Lowe wrote about how Christians normally associate the season of Lent with fasting. He also touched on the purpose of fasting. This week, I would like to share how we can observe Lent both personally and as a church. From now till Resurrection Sunday, I encourage you to use Scripture to reflect on the life of our Lord Jesus since His birth till His ascension into heaven.
As I was reflecting on the life of Christ, three thoughts came to my mind:
Humility of Christ in service and obedience
As Good Friday draws near, we are reminded of how the Lord Jesus has shown us the way to serve one another (Jn 13:1-5) by washing the disciples' feet. Jesus served with humility. The act of washing someone’s feet is not something we would naturally think of. Yet, our Lord did it without any hesitation and He did it to show what the Kingdom's work is about. It is not about how noble the task is or which role will bring greater honour but simply serving one another, in all aspects just as God has commanded us to. This is true humility in service, without selecting tasks but willingly going all the way out to do, and at times quietly without being noticed. The other aspect recorded in Philippians 2:5-8 is humility in obedience found in Christ by taking the form of servant and not thinking of equality with God, but obeying the Father’s will to die on that cross so that we have a day to remember—Good Friday! Jesus saved us from darkness into God’s marvellous light. This has reminded me of what humility looks like as a fellow servant of Christ.
Heart of Christ in love and compassion
We are commanded in Ephesians 5:1-2 to imitate Christ by living a life filled with love, not being selfish but one that is sacrificial such that we put the needs and interests of others before our own. This heart of love brings joy and delight to God. How do we show compassion to the world around us and within the church? As Matthew 9:36 says, “When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” For us, it is not only being compassionate towards the lost souls but showing compassion to our church members whom God has placed in our lives. As fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we ought to meet one another’s needs and shepherd their hearts towards God. As we go through different seasons of life, we may at times be lost or struggling. Let us be intentional in our compassion towards others, to love in word and in deed as compassion without action is just sympathy.
Holiness of Christ
In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter says, “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” We are all exiles in this foreign land and God has put us here for a purpose: to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. I asked myself this question many times, how does this look like wherever God has placed me in and not only in the community of His people? Do I speak words seasoned with salt that not only preserves the world from decay but also brings healing to the distressed and troubled souls. Do I set my life apart for God so that I may live as light shining forth brightly, that others are encouraged to imitate me as I imitate Christ so that they may see Jesus and draw near to Him?
As we continue to observe the next three weeks of Lent, we can do it within a Care Group or now that Level 3's Fellowship Hall is open, we can seize the opportunity to talk about these things to edify one another. Let us put on a prayerful and teachable spirit as we reflect on the life of Christ. Let us be grateful and thankful to God for what He has done for us and in our response to that, may we desire to live each day for His glory regardless of our spiritual maturity!
