Jesus Remember Me!
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Lenten Soup Luncheon
at Houlton
March 12, 2025 (Wednesday)
What’s My 40 Days?
As you know, the number 40 often appears in the Bible,
symbolizing times of trial, testing, or preparation. Moses spent 40 years in
the wilderness and another 40 days on Mount Sinai. Elijah walked for 40 days to
reach Mount Sinai. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His
ministry, and after His resurrection, the disciples spent 40 days with Him
before His ascension.
Because of this biblical pattern, we observe the 40 days of
Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter. This is our season
of spiritual pilgrimage, a time for transformation in spirit, body, and mind.
Pastor Victor once shared about Moses's journey through Psalm
90. Moses' life was divided into three 40-year periods: first, he was somebody
in Pharaoh’s palace; then, he became nobody in the wilderness; finally,
he became God’s body, leading His people through the desert. Elijah was
renewed after his 40-day journey, Jesus was prepared for His ministry, and the
disciples were equipped to preach the Gospel.
But there are also other 40-day or 40-year journeys in the
Bible—ones that ended differently.
- What
about Pharaoh’s 40 years while Moses was being transformed in the
wilderness? Pharaoh’s heart only grew harder, filled with pride and
self-centeredness.
- What
about the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness? Except for Joshua and
Caleb, an entire generation perished because they doubted God’s promises.
Their journey was filled with regret and bitterness.
- What
about the Israelites’ 40 days while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the
Ten Commandments? Instead of waiting in faith, they became restless, lost
their spiritual focus, and pressured Aaron to build a golden calf.
- What
about the priests and Pharisees during the disciples’ 40 days with the
resurrected Jesus? Even though they knew Jesus had risen, they chose to
suppress the truth, bribing the soldiers to keep their own reputations
intact. They spent their 40 days in fear, anxiety, and deception.
God gives each of us a 40-day journey. Some people emerge
transformed, experiencing the glory of God and tasting heaven on earth. Others
remain unchanged—or worse, fall deeper into fear, anxiety, and spiritual
complacency.
So, what about us? What will our 40 days be? Are we
walking this Lenten journey with hope and expectation for transformation?
Renewal in the Spirit
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you
through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
The Bible tells us that we are made up of spirit, soul,
and body. My prayer is that, during these 40 days, we will experience
transformation in all three areas—moving from Sinai to Zion.
As Jesus walked to Golgotha, many women wept for Him. But He
said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for
yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28)
Even in His suffering, Jesus was not focused on Himself but
on others. On the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not
know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)
Until His last breath, Jesus preached the kingdom of God.
Until His last breath, He wept—not for Himself, but for us.
Renewal in the Soul
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God." (Philippians 4:6)
Jesus died not only for our sins but also for our
anxiety, our depression, our worries, and our fears. He wants to restore
our souls.
"For He himself is our peace, who has made the two
groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility... His
purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making
peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the
cross." (Ephesians 2:14-16)
Jesus desires unity among His people. Yet, we live in a
world full of broken relationships.
Look at Joseph’s story—a foreshadowing of Christ’s
forgiveness. He reconciled with the very brothers who had betrayed him, saying,
“God sent me ahead of you to preserve a remnant” (Genesis 45:7)
Renewal in the Body
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and
with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick
person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be
forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so
that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and
effective." (James 5:15-16)
Jesus healed many while He was on earth, and Isaiah
prophesied that His death would bring healing—not just spiritually but also
physically.
What Will My Easter Look Like?
My prayer is that all of us will experience renewal
in spirit, soul, and body during these 40 days. I pray that our families,
friends, and neighbors will walk this journey with us.
I am praying that this Easter will not just be another
holiday but a true resurrection moment—a time of new life for me and for
those around me.
So I ask again—what will your Easter look like?
Benediction
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