The Lenten season is the 40 days and 6 sabbaths before the Easter celebration. So, there are actually 46 days. The Sabbath days were not counted because the Sabbath days already belong to the Lord and should always be a time of repentance, rememberance and renewal. Therefore, the Sabbath day is NOT a “day off” from our fast or Lenten committment. If anything, it is a deeper awareness of what we are doing during this sacred season.
There are some things, however, that should be recognized about these special times during our journey. First, the Sabbath is a day dedicated to the corporate worship of our God. It is a day when we gather together and experience what the Bible calls “koinonia”, which refers to our communion or fellowship with fellow believers. Scripture tells us,
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
You see, we are all in this together. Yes, your Lenten committment is deeply personal, but our fellowship with one another will enhance your personal experience and encourage you in the journey. It is vital to the christian’s life to gather as the Church…the Body of Christ to remember Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate His mercy with joy through repentance.
Another aspect of Sabbath is the concept of rest. This does not mean “idle” but, more accurately, focus. The Sabbath for us is a time set aside to step back and totally focus on our Lord and Provider. We take a moment…a day to look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. We recognize and proclaim that everything depends on Him and not on us. Sabbath is a regular time established by God to center ourselves on Him. It is part of the original design of creation to schedule a regular day to re-focus…re-fresh…and remember that He is your Father and you are His child.
Today, on this first Sabbath day of Lent, pray the Lord’s prayer and re-focus on the Father who created you…loves you…and wants to take care of you. And, if you have the opportunity…pray it with a friend as the Body of Christ.