Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Breaking Bread: Lent, a spiritual preparation for Easter

27/03/2023

Breaking Bread: Lent, a spiritual preparation for EasterThe time of Lent is a call to renew a commitment grown dull by a life filled with routine rather than reflection.

by Vernon Cloete

27-03-2023 10:00

in It Is Written

Give it to God and rest. Trusting God. Photo: PEXELS/Tara Winstead

It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. What a profound truth! A realisation that eases the grip of life on man - surrendering to God in all things. Partake in this feast as we consume food for the soul, nourishing the spirit in Breaking Bread. It is Monday, 27th March 2023.

--

Lent is a season of spiritual preparation by Christians before Easter. It usually starts on Ash Wednesday. As Christians we go through a period of fasting, repentance, self-denial and spiritual discipline for 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. This is remind-full of Israel's 40 years in the wilderness before they arrived in the Promised land. It is also a reminder of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before His public ministry began.

The purpose of lent is to set aside time to focus on Jesus Christ to do a reflection on Jesus Christ by looking at His suffering, sacrifices and His life, death and resurrection.

The thoughts of our hearts lead to actions. The concentrations of the meditation of our hearts should therefore be committed to Him during this Lenten season. As Jude said once: contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.'' All of us strive to recognise our need and desire to meet with God, but remember He strives more faithfully to empower us.

--

We should therefore live in such a way that proclaims our faith in Christ- No matter the pressure of society, no matter the dangers we face in life.

We should remember the following things during this Lenten season:

God is always calling us to a deeper union with Him

He invites us during this period to search our hearts

God wants us to uncover our hidden faults, to tear down our idols and walls which prevent His presence to dwell inside us

We must lengthen our hearts to make room for God to dwell in and to secure His presence in our hearts

We need to leave Egypt behind like the Israelites- In other words we need to leave our past behind and sin no more.

--

Now, we should begin a journey of becoming a new creation in Jesus Christ. We are all destined to experience the presence and the pleasure of the Lord in our lives forever. So, let us take the first step into the wilderness this Lenten season remember, there is no other path that leads to the Promised Land. Whatever we give up during this Lenten period of 2023 as a sacrifice to remember the Cross, death and resurrection of Jesus, let it not be for the sake of Lent, but let this strengthen our relationship with God and result in us being new creations in Christ.

PRAYER Dear Lord, may Your light guide us during this period of sacrifice and may Your Spirit bring us everlasting peace. May our sacrifices of this Lenten period remind us of our dependence on You for all the blessings that we enjoy. Lord, all we want is to be faithful to You in our lives, but we fail so often. Guide us to the life we want to share with You. Amen.

ALSO READ: Breaking Bread: The Lord is our good Shepard.

Lent was deel van die praktyk van die kerk vir eeue. Die kalender van die Christen het seisoene soos Advent, Kersfees, Paasfees en Pinkster. Dit is tye wanneer ons fokus op die koms, dood, opstanding van Jesus en die uitstorting van die Heilige Gees. Ons fokus egter in hierdie oordenking op die 40 dae tydperk (Lent) vanaf As Woensdag tot by Paasfees. Christene word gedurende hierdie tydperk dwarsdeur die wereld aangemoedig om aan n 40 dae voorbereidingstyd deel te neem in aanloop tot die Paasgebeure.

40 is ook nie n toevallige getal nie. Die getal verteenwoordig n geloofsgeskiedenis, n tydperk van intense geestelike voorbereiding. Moses was 40jaar lank in die woestyn voordat God hom geroep het tot nasiebou en mensebevryding. Jesus het 40 dae lank in die woestyn met die bose geworstel voordat Hy met Sy openbare bediening begin het. Met ons deelname aan Lent deel ons saam met ons Christen broers en susters dwarsoor die wereld aan hierdie geloofsgeskiedenis.

Hoekom moet ons Lent ernstig opneem:

Ons word deur hierdie Lent periode die geleentheid gegee om oor ons lewens te besin;

Gedurende die Lent periode sien ons ook die wegdryf van ons geloof raak;

Ons kry ook die geleentheid om meer intensioneel in ons navolging van Christus te word gedurende Lent;

Lent berei ons voor om Paasfees, die herdenking van die dood en opstanding van Jesus, dieper te beleef;

Kom ons deel deel hierdie Lent-reistog met iemand of met n groepie mense. Die gedagte is om op hierdie manier, nie mekaar te fix'' nie maar om mekaar aan te moedig en te ondersteun. Ek deel hierdie reistog met my vrou, Bonita, en ek kan u almal verseker dit is die moeite werd. Dit hou ons naby God en laat beleef ons opnuut die krag van die Evangelie en hoe dit lei tot die vestiging van n nuwe mens'' in Christus.

Ons moet altyd onthou dat die doel van Lent is om na te dink oor die lewe,dood en opstanding van Jesus Christus. Wat ons ookal opgee gedurende hierdie tyd, moet die resultaat inhou van die versterking van ons geloofverhouding met God.

So laat ons die eerste stap gee na die woestyn hierdie Lent- seisoen want dit is die enigste pad wat lei tot die Beloofde Land.

GEBED Dankie Here vir U liefde en omgee vir ons as U skape. Dankie dat U gesterf het aan die Kruis sodat ons U vrede kan ervaar en aanneem in ons families. Here, help ons om maniere te vind om U vrede te soek veral wat ons verhoudinge met andere betref gedurende die lent-seisoen 2023. Help ons ook om ons lewens af te le vir ander. Amen.

How much of a rugby fanatic
LINK: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/christian-connect/it-is-writte...
See more stories from thesouthafrican

More from The South African

08/06/2023

Tonight on Muvhango: Vhutshilo is livid that his mother has embarrassed him

Tonight on Muvhango: Vhutshilo is livid that his mother has embarrassed himDon't miss out on the latest drama in Muvhango! Muvhango episodes airs on SABC2 f...

08/06/2023

Tonight on 7de Laan: Sudesh decides to add a bit of fun

Tonight on 7de Laan: Sudesh decides to add a bit of funDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of 7de Laan and Catch the latest epis...

08/06/2023

Prison Journalism: Black and Gay in prison

Prison Journalism: Black and Gay in prisonTurns out it's not much different from a normal day on the outside for black and gay prisoner. by Prison Journal...

08/06/2023

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Skeem Saam soapie right here...

08/06/2023

France's ballet star on giving up the American Dream

France's ballet star on giving up the American DreamHe conquered the New York stage and married a Hollywood star, but Benjamin Millepied says he had to give...

08/06/2023

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Scandal ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Scandal soapie right here. Don...

08/06/2023

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of House of Zwide? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of House of Zwide soapie right her...

08/06/2023

Skeem Saam live updates: Babeile's serial killer witch-hunt continues

Skeem Saam live updates: Babeile's serial killer witch-hunt continuesWhat's new on Skeem Saam? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on yo...

08/06/2023

GENERATIONS: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]

GENERATIONS: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Generations ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Generations soapie right ...

08/06/2023

House of Zwide live updates: Isaac's plan falls flat

House of Zwide live updates: Isaac's plan falls flatWhat's new on House of Zwide? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite t...

08/06/2023

Gomora live updates: Tumelo requests help from Zibuko for a business idea

Gomora live updates: Tumelo requests help from Zibuko for a business ideaWhat's new on Gomora? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your f...

08/06/2023

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of uzalo? No problem! Just watch all the latest episodes of uzalo soapie right here, don'...

08/06/2023

Scandal live updates: Will Taps prove that a friend in need is a friend indeed

Scandal live updates: Will Taps prove that a friend in need is a friend indeedWhat's new on Scandal? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on ...

08/06/2023

Generations - The Legacy live updates: Mrekza appeals to Lucy who's as stubborn as ever

Generations - The Legacy live updates: Mrekza appeals to Lucy who's as stubb...

08/06/2023

Muvhango: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Tonight's episode, 8 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Muvhango? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Muvhango soapie right here,don&#...

08/06/2023

Muvhango live updates: Vhutshilo is livid that his mother has embarrassed him

Muvhango live updates: Vhutshilo is livid that his mother has embarrassed himWhat's new on Muvhango? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on ...

08/06/2023

Uzalo live updates: Mbatha goes from hero to zero

Uzalo live updates: Mbatha goes from hero to zeroWhat's new on Uzalo? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite television show w...

08/06/2023

The River live updates: Bukhosi and Nomafu blow out the candle

The River live updates: Bukhosi and Nomafu blow out the candleWhat's new on The River? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite ...

08/06/2023

African Proverb of the day: 08 June 2023

African Proverb of the day: 08 June 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, belief...

08/06/2023

Poem of the day: Silent, Strong Dad

Poem of the day: Silent, Strong DadA poem a day keeps the soul awake! For the most soulful, authentically African poetry on the internet, check out Poem of the ...

08/06/2023

Streaming TODAY: New streaming releases on 8 June 2023

Streaming TODAY: New streaming releases on 8 June 2023Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your favourite p...

08/06/2023

iNumber Number: Jozi Gold': Netflix shares trailer of SA film

iNumber Number: Jozi Gold': Netflix shares trailer of SA filmNetflix released the trailer for South African film iNumber Number: Jozi Gold' starring S&...

08/06/2023

Tonight on Generations: Mrekza appeals to Lucy who's as stubborn as ever

Tonight on Generations: Mrekza appeals to Lucy who's as stubborn as everKeen to know what's happening on the latest episode of Generations: The Legacy?....

08/06/2023

Prison Journalism: Just sit'n Here

Prison Journalism: Just sit'n HereJeffrey Shockley is a writer serving a life sentence in the State Correctional Institution-Fayette in Pennsylvania. by J...

08/06/2023

Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac's plan falls flat

Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac's plan falls flatDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of House of Zwide and Catch the latest...

08/06/2023

Tonight on Uzalo: Mbatha goes from hero to zero

Tonight on Uzalo: Mbatha goes from hero to zeroDon't get left behind, catch up on Uzalo now! Episodes of Uzalo air on SABC1 from Mondays to Fridays at 20h30...

08/06/2023

Tonight on Scandal: Will Taps prove that a friend in need is a friend indeed

Tonight on Scandal: Will Taps prove that a friend in need is a friend indeedGet to know what's happening on tonight's episode!. Scandal episodes airs on...

08/06/2023

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Babeile's serial killer witch-hunt continues

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Babeile's serial killer witch-hunt continuesFind out what's going on tonight on Skeem Saam!. Skeem Saam episodes airs on SABC1 Mo...

08/06/2023

Tonight on The River: Bukhosi and Nomafu blow out the candle

Tonight on The River: Bukhosi and Nomafu blow out the candleWatch tonight's episode of The River and catch the latest episode every weekday at 20:00 on 1 Ma...

08/06/2023

Tonight on Gomora: Tumelo requests help from Zibuko for a business idea

Tonight on Gomora: Tumelo requests help from Zibuko for a business ideaDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of Gomora, and watch ...

08/06/2023

Tonight on Gqeberha: Sivuyile meets an over-the-moon Gubevu

Tonight on Gqeberha: Sivuyile meets an over-the-moon GubevuDon't miss tonight's episode of Gqeberha: The Empire, and watch the latest episode on Mzansi ...

07/06/2023

The River live updates: A desperate Lindiwe issues an ultimatum

The River live updates: A desperate Lindiwe issues an ultimatumWhat's new on The River? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite...

07/06/2023

Tonight on Gqeberha: Anathi's secret is finally revealed to Luzuko

Tonight on Gqeberha: Anathi's secret is finally revealed to LuzukoDon't miss tonight's episode of Gqeberha: The Empire, and watch the latest episode...

07/06/2023

Tonight on Muvhango: Imani can't find a way to prove that she didn't use muti on Gugu's baby

Tonight on Muvhango: Imani can't find a way to prove that she didn't use...

07/06/2023

Tonight on 7de Laan: The Welmans realise the importance of family

Tonight on 7de Laan: The Welmans realise the importance of familyDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of 7de Laan and Catch the l...

07/06/2023

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of House of Zwide? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of House of Zwide soapie right her...

07/06/2023

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Skeem Saam soapie right here...

07/06/2023

7de Laan live updates: The Welmans realise the importance of family

7de Laan live updates: The Welmans realise the importance of familyWhat's new on 7de Laan? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favor...

07/06/2023

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Scandal ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Scandal soapie right here. Don...

07/06/2023

Skeem Saam live updates: Lewatle humiliates Ntswaki in the worst way imaginable

Skeem Saam live updates: Lewatle humiliates Ntswaki in the worst way imaginableWhat's new on Skeem Saam? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending...

07/06/2023

GENERATIONS: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]

GENERATIONS: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Generations ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Generations soapie right ...

07/06/2023

House of Zwide live updates: Isaac decides to intervene on Tebatso's behalf

House of Zwide live updates: Isaac decides to intervene on Tebatso's behalfWhat's new on House of Zwide? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's tren...

07/06/2023

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of uzalo? No problem! Just watch all the latest episodes of uzalo soapie right here, don'...

07/06/2023

Gomora live updates: Sizwe makes a bargain with Tumelo to stay away from the carwash

Gomora live updates: Sizwe makes a bargain with Tumelo to stay away from the car...

07/06/2023

Scandal live updates: Ndu shares his spectral encounter with Gloria

Scandal live updates: Ndu shares his spectral encounter with GloriaWhat's new on Scandal? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favori...

07/06/2023

Generations - The Legacy live updates: Keletso is no pushover and re-negotiates her terms

Generations - The Legacy live updates: Keletso is no pushover and re-negotiates ...

07/06/2023

Muvhango: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Tonight's episode, 7 June 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Muvhango? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Muvhango soapie right here,don&#...

07/06/2023

Muvhango live updates: Imani can't find a way to prove that she didn't use muti on Gugu's baby

Muvhango live updates: Imani can't find a way to prove that she didn't u...

07/06/2023

Uzalo live updates: Mbatha is released from prison and an unexpected alliance is formed

Uzalo live updates: Mbatha is released from prison and an unexpected alliance is...

07/06/2023

Streaming TODAY: New streaming releases on 7 June 2023

Streaming TODAY: New streaming releases on 7 June 2023Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your favourite p...