The Challenge of Lent – Preparing for Service (Part 2)

Last time we looked at the Old Testament basis for prayer and fasting and found a marked contrast with the common practices associated with Lent. We concluded that prayer and fasting is designed more to prepare us for service than for mere spiritual uplift, or as works. Some say the New Testament does not teach fasting, that the Lord's condemnation of the Pharisees fasting methods was in fact a rejection of fasting. This is not so, there is in the New Testament just as powerful a case to regard prayer and fasting as a necessary preparation for service. As we noted previously our primary role model is the Lord who prior to commencing His public ministry and service - to establish the kingdom of God - spent forty days & nights in fasting and prayer, and being tempted by Satan in the desert. MATT 4:1; MARK 1:12; LUKE 4:1.

We could also think of Paul who spent an unspecified time in the desert of Arabia before commencing his great missionary work.

What should be the motivation or driving force to observing Lent? Is it just to feel good, to achieve some kind of spiritual experience? Certainly not! We noted in the Old Testament God required Israel on the Day of Atonement to afflict your souls. It was God who commanded Moses to appear before Him with the imperative be there. What prompted Jesus to spend forty days & nights praying and fasting in the wilderness? This was no mere human decision, but the Spirit of God working sovereignly (Matthew 4:1, Luke 4:1, and Mark 1:12 & 13) where we note - angels ministered to Him.

Matthew Mark and Luke use different words to describe the Spirits action.

          Luke has ηγετο - to lead to another place, e.g. to guide.
          Matthew has ανηχθη, - to lead or conduct away, e.g. a prisoner led into or from court.
          Mark has εκβαλλει, - to lead by force, impel. Often translated as ‘cast.’

Overall they combine to give a strong sense of compulsion. That compulsion is evident throughout Jesus ministry JOHN 4:4 He must needs go through Samaria. LUKE 9:51 ‘He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem’ (Matthew 16:21). Jesus began to show unto his disciples, that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer [...] and be killed, and the third day be raised up (Luke 4:43). Jesus said, 'I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God' (see Luke 13:33, 19:5, 22:37, and John 9:4).

Paul evidently felt the need to go to Arabia (Galatians 1:17) where it appears he had a great spiritual experience (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), although he does not say he was led there by the spirit, or that he prayed and fasted. However it is clear Paul did fast regularly, such as when acts of service were being initiated for example in Acts 13:2&3 when Barnabas and Saul were chosen as missionaries, and again at the appointment of elders in each church (Acts 14:23), not forgetting of course Paul's own calling (Acts 9:8).

None of these people entered lightly into periods of prayer and fasting. Nor should we. Lent, as preparation for service is a serious matter not to be entered into light-heartedly of casually. For implicitly we must emerge from such an exercise and impact upon society, if we do not, we must question our motives why we fasted and prayed in the first place. Was it merely to satisfy self, to follow the crowd, or were we compelled, driven by the Spirit. Those whom we have highlighted are those who were clearly called to be leaders. But every Christian, every child of God has been commissioned to proclaim the gospel to all men everywhere. So each of us have reason to seek a closer walk with God that our lives may more effectively witness for Him.

What was the mission or service? Jesus mission was to establish the kingdom of God on earth, and ultimately to die on the Cross in order that God's great redemptive plan may be fulfilled. Moses, was to lead a grumbling nation, and through the Law given at Sinai forge them into God’s own people. Paul’s mission was to spread the Word of God, to push the boundaries of the Church/kingdom of God to include all men. Our mission is no less, to proclaim salvation to those around us, wherever we are. To further the establishment of the kingdom of God by church planting as Paul did. To provide instruction in the Laws of God, building men up in the most holy faith that they in turn may be called to the service of the Master. For that we need the power that comes from time spent in the presence of God and in His word. When Moses met with God at Sinai his face shone, evidence that he had been in the presence of the glory of God. If Jesus, the Holy Son of God found it necessary to spend time in prayer and fasting, how much more necessary is it for us, weak and sinful as we are.

What will be the end result? The immediate result is twofold -

1. Increased opposition; as Jesus was tested by Satan so also shall we be tested (Matthew 4:2-11).
2. A dynamic Spirit of power LUKE 4:14,15. Enabling and endowing the Church for the task ahead.

Finally, WE, the Church, are the end result of our Saviour’s prayer and fasting. The Church or Kingdom of God on earth is evidence that God answered Jesus prayers and labours of love. When Jesus views His finished work on that great day, He will be satisfied. ISA 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: The prayer and fasting, the pain of His humanity and human suffering, the agony of the cross, separation from the Father - all will be considered worthwhile when those He has redeemed becomes His crown of Glory.

What about us? Will we have any sheaves to lay at His feet? Will there be anyone in heaven because I prayed, because I fasted, and because I witnessed. Lent, we conclude, is more than giving up this or that for a season, it is more than personal spiritual improvement, it is about preparation for service. Service led, inspired and empowered by the Spirit of God. Such preparation and service does result in personal spiritual improvement and spiritual enrichment. It is a time for sacrificing ourselves afresh as 'First fruits' unto God; Devoting more of our time and resources than previously we have done; Engaging more fully in the great commission; Serving the Lord and Him alone. How good it would be to see Lent become superfluous again as it was in the white hot passion of the early church where passionate Christian living was the norm. For that to happen, your life and my life needs to change - NOW. So let us, not only in the Lenten season, but always present ourselves before the Lord in prayer and fasting, seeking from Him the leading, the guidance, the enabling we need for our service in the task ahead.