This Sunday is the beginning of Lent. Lent represents that period in Jesus life where he went into the desert, led by the Spirit, for 40 days. For us it is the spiritual and material journey of 40 days taking us to Easter.

Deserts are universally seen as places of great challenge, deep poverty of the necessities of life and the place where one seems abandoned by the safety and security of urban life. We often refer to those times when feel abandoned by others, God and life as being in the desert, bereft of all that makes life purposeful and hopeful.

It is in the desert that Jesus is stripped of any sense of ego and self-interest. It is here that he clarifies what is important for him and what direction his life will take. This was no quick instantaneous decision. It was one that took 40 days of deep self-reflection and much agony. It took him out of what may have been his own desires and wishes and placed him firmly in the will of God for all people. It wasn’t about him and his spiritual wellbeing, but the well being of God’s people as a whole.

This lent we will be spending time in the desert working through Joanna Thyer’s little study, “Listening to the Wisdom of the Desert” after our 10am service each Wednesday. You are invited to join us for this.

If that time is not suitable, there are workbooks available for $9.00. See me if you are interested.

Glenn