Lent was not observed until 300 years after Christ’s resurrection. It was at that time the church was getting organized and decided to officially establish it. Prior to then disciples and preachers went about establishing churches and it was said of them that they “turned the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6) How different is the Christian Church now from then.
When Lent came into practice, the church also needed to address heresies and serious questions such as: Who really was Jesus? Was He God in disguise? Was He part god and part man? Was He man who had divinity come upon Him at a particular point in His life? Of course, the decision of 1, 700 years ago still stands. Jesus is fully God and fully man.
The good intentions of Lent may be lost in contradiction. That which is given up is usually that which should be given up anyway such as sweets or some type of sinful behavior. When Lent is over, that which has been given up is often snagged back. In some ways Lent is no more than a New Year’s resolution with a holy twist to it. Mardi Gras is a good example of behavior that is disconnected from spiritual devotion.
Is not the idea to draw closer to God and to grow spiritually? Is not the idea to bring boldly to everyone’s thinking that life is brief and should be cherished? And most of all - is not the idea to connect with Jesus who gave up His life for sinners?
Actually, turning the world upside down is to turn the world right side up. To talk about the conditions of the world 2,000 years ago or now is to admit that so much is wrong. Evil spreads like a virus. Sin is enjoyed instead of hated.
Loving God is an occasional visit to church.
The church is now well organized and well oiled, but broken into hundreds of denominations. It would be far better if something happened in the souls of people at this time of the year and not just a temporary well meaning act. If today’s Christian can regain the power of resurrection lived out each day, perhaps it will also be said of them that they, too, turn the world upside down.
Comments