February 28, 2023 – “Is Lent About Testing or Teaching?”

“Do not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” Deuteronomy 6:16

When we encounter a text like this, one of the first questions we must ask is: “What happened at Massah?” In Exodus 17, the Israelites have been traveling in the Desert of Sin, and they are thirsty. They quarrel with Moses saying “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to have us die of thirst?” The Lord tells Moses to take his staff and strike a rock, and water will come forth. Moses names the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord.

The bible is clear that we are not to put the Lord to the test – Jesus will use this argument against Satan while Satan is testing and tempting him in the wilderness. So when we consider a Lenten discipline to follow each season of Lent, there needs to be some thought as to what we choose to do. Will we be testing ourselves, you know testing our faith, or will we be seeking to learn a lesson about our faith?

So, whatever it is that you choose to do for Lent, and even if you choose to do nothing, use these 40 days to, if nothing else think about your relationship with G-d. You do not need to do great, intentional things during Lent. You can simply read one verse of scripture every day during Lent. And if you do, take time to think about what it is you have read. What does scripture mean to you? How does G-d speak to you in the verses you have read?

 You have forty days – why miss this opportunity for real, intentional learning?

Let us pray: Dear G-d, you seek opportunities to teach us about You – about our relationship with You. Give me time today to contemplate my relationship with you and what I can do to respond to that relationship. Amen.

Pastor Dave