A Season of Reflections

“ Lent is the preparation of the believer ... through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial. ...its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.” Wikipedia.

Various Christian denominations and individuals engage their Creator during this season, on the liturgical calendar, in intentional ways. The Bible remains as the central resource for Christians pursuing their Creator, God, and revisiting specific events in the life of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Before Christ came to Earth, however, John was prepared to be the forerunner for Christ. His life, I believe, is a vivid example of the type of purpose driven life we have all been created to have.

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was silenced by the angel Gabriel because he did not believe the angel Gabriel’s words. (Luke 1 v19 -20. ) At the time of the circumcision of Zechariah's baby the following is written:

“ When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. But his mother responded, No! He will be called John.”

Then they said to her “None of your relatives has that name.”

So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called.

He asked for a writing tablet and wrote:

HIS NAME IS JOHN

And they were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God."  Luke 1 v 57 - v 64.

The power of writing and speaking to convey one’s thoughts is illustrated here.  The most critical part of Zechariah’s actions, however, is the conviction of his belief and faith in God’s promises. In the face of traditional patterns of behavior and opinion he declared God’s truth.

The power of the spoken word is said to produce life or death. (Proverbs 18 v21). Nothing was allowed to hinder the journey of John, the child, the individual, the forerunner into his purpose.

During this season of Lent. We are reminded that Jesus, our Savior, paved the way for our eternal life.  In addition, we were enabled, through Christ, to be all that we have been purposed to be.

What is your name?



​
~Author: Annette O. Brown