March 2010

“The Lengthening of Days”

Lent is the season of the Church Year that especially bids us to direct our thoughts to the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus as we move on to the climax of Easter.

The word “Lent” comes from the word “Lenchthen,” which means “the lengthening of days.”  It is during this time of the year when we gain more hours of daylight.  So, taken literally, the name “Lent” has very little to do with this season of the Church Year outside of what happens to our days as spring approaches.

However, reflection on the definition of “Lent” as “the lengthening of days” can aid us in our spiritual preparation and growth during the season which bears the name.

First of all, we can consider the lengthening of our own days upon this earth.  Jesus once spoke of the lengthening of our days as being graciously extended by God in the interest of repentance and its fruits.  The parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) tells of the long-suffering and patience of God not to cut down the fruitless tree, but rather to lengthen its days in order that it might bear fruit.

Secondly, the “lengthening of days” might lead us to ponder the shortening of the days of Jesus as He made His way, day by day, to the cross.  The forty days of Lent lead us through the diminishing days of Jesus until that time when “the HOUR is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners” (Matthew 28:45); and until that MOMENT when “He gave us His Spirit” (Matthew 26:50-53).

Thirdly, the “lengthening of days” can serve to remind us of the great hope we have of everlasting life through our Savior Jesus who conquered death and rose on the fist Easter morning.  Our days will never end, not even by death, because of that.  They are lengthened for all eternity because Jesus made His way to the cross for you and me.

While days are lengthened by more daylight, we can be sure that it is Lent – literally.  In these “Lengthening of days,” let us make worship and daily devotion a part of our days as we walk with our Savior to the cross and then peer into the tomb He has opened for us.

Pastor John

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