In the pathless mazes of the desert, Yahweh makes a way for his people. Through the readings, hymns, and themes, this season provides a clearer path to spiritual renewal. We all need a new orientation in our journey. The desert paths of Lent can be filled with frustrations, complaining, hunger and thirst. If we are going to face these next thirty-nine days, we need to know the paths of the Lord (Ps. 17:5).
In Psalm 107, God is moving his people from desert to city; from ruin to a new civilization. He is forming through his people a new polis; a new city that shines brighter than all other cities.
Lent is like a journey through the desert to the new city. That desert is the cruciform life; the life of repentance and self-giving. It’s a necessary track to the pastures of forgiveness. As we walk wounded or wavering, to that promised rest of Easter we “improve our baptisms.” The journey to Calvary is long but its rewards are everlasting.
Let us not mistake, however, the walk to Calvary as a call to isolation. Rather, the cross restores us into unity with one another. In fact, the Lenten journey must bind us together. Sin isolates us. Sin calls us to take our own ways in the desert than following the cloud by day and pillar by night. Sin prefers to wander than to confess. Sin desires darkness rather than light; blindness rather than sight. But the Gospel message this season is to walk together side by side, prayer by prayer, confession by confession until we reach the great city where the resurrected Jesus awaits us.
Prayer: Great God, who rules the deserts and cities, sea and dry land, rule over my heart today. May I not wander from your ways, but may you give me light to shine my path to that great city where your blessing flows world without end, Amen.
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