The Old Testament prophets delivered God’s Words.
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea6:6
Does The Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:22
Jesus reminded everyone again when He said,
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”
Matthew 9:13
Jesus’ Words are an excellent way to enter what humans have called a season of Lent. Lent actually came along 325 years after Jesus. So it is a tradition, not a directive from God.
Traditions can be helpful to focus our attention or bring us together in common thoughts. But we have to be careful so our traditions do not drown out God’s Words.
Jesus warned about that also.
He gave an example of how even religious leaders could fall into the trap of tradition,
“making The Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
Mark 7:13
If we want to celebrate Lent, we do not need to come up with ways of self denial for a season. We do not need to announce with pride or pain what we are giving up for Lent.
We can do what God said He wants, not just for a season, but for a lifetime.
What does He want?
Acknowledge Him.
Be still and truly know God is God.
Obey God. Hear Him. Do what He tells you to do. When He tells you to do something, do it. If He tells you not to do something, don’t do it.
Learn what God means when He speaks.
Look at how God lived life as a human. Recognize He still lives in you right now.
Lent is not a time to mourn. It is not a time when we have to wait for some recurrent miracle to happen at a time we call Easter.
The Christmas message of Jesus being God with us is still true.
Jesus’ Promise of being with us always is still true.
The best way to begin Lent is to do what Jesus said.
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’”
Thoughts for today
What is mercy?
How did Jesus show Mercy?
How has God shown His mercy to you?
How have you shown mercy to others?
What can you do now to show mercy to others?
