Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians around the world, especially for those who hold to more traditional and liturgical forms of worship.

Lent is 40 days long, corresponding to the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, but it extends over 46 days because Sundays are not counted in the traditional Lenten season.

Since the date for Easter is set based on the lunar calendar — the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox — the season of Lent begins on different calendar dates each year. This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18, and continues through Saturday, April 4. Easter Sunday is April 5 this year. The first full moon after the vernal equinox is on Saturday, April 1, making Sunday, April 5, the date of Easter in most Western Churches.

In most years, the date for Easter or Pascha falls later in the Eastern Churches. Easter dates were the same for Eastern and Western Churches in 2017, but this year the date is April 12 in the East (Eastern Churches use the same formula to determine the date for Easter, but use the Julian Calendar, while Western Churches and most of the world use the Gregorian Calendar).

Some churches do not observe the season of Lent at all. It is not specifically commanded or forbidden in the Bible, so churches that do not observe the special season cannot be faulted, and anyone who insists it must be strictly observed goes beyond the Bible’s teaching. Nevertheless, the observance of Lent can be a good thing if it is undertaken with the purpose and intent of reflecting on Christ’s sufferings and death for the sins of the world (often called His passion) and as a special time of self-examination and repentance.

While many would simply go through the outward forms of repentance — including ashes on the forehead and fasting during the season — the Bible calls for true contrition and sorrow over our own sinfulness and faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Psalm 34:18 says: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 51:16-17 says: “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

The prophet Joel writes: “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil” (Joel 2:12-13).

John, in his first epistle (1 John 1:8-9; 2:1-2), writes: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. … And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

God desires that we live in continual repentance — acknowledging our sinfulness and the judgment we justly deserve, but then looking in faith to Christ Jesus and His death on the cross for our sins and trusting that in Jesus we are forgiven and accepted by God. Therefore, as we contemplate the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ bitter sufferings and death for the sins of all, it is certainly also a fitting time to examine ourselves and see that it was for our sins that He suffered and died such an agonizing death.

As Isaiah 53:5-6 says, “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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Many, of course, speak of giving things up for Lent, and giving up things that we might focus on Christ and what He has done for us can be a good thing. But we need to always remember that our giving up something, whether it be through fasting or some other form of self-denial, can never merit God’s favor or blessing. Our observance of Lenten self-sacrifice will not somehow atone for our sins and make us acceptable to God. It is only through faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), that we receive God’s pardon and forgiveness and are acceptable in His sight.

As the Apostle Paul writes, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).

It’s really too bad that more people do not observe Lent in a Biblical and Scriptural way—not just giving up something for 40 days, but rather repenting of sin and evil and looking to Christ and His cross for pardon, forgiveness, and life eternal. In fact, it’s sad that true Lenten contrition and repentance are not observed by more people year-round!

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

Scripture Lesson: Colossians 4:7-18

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Standing Firm and Holding Fast

The closing remarks of a letter often seem like mere formalities — a list of names and travel plans. However, in the final verses of Colossians, the Apostle Paul pulls back the curtain to reveal the heartbeat of the early church: fervent prayer and unwavering devotion to the Word.

The Labor of Prayer

Among the many names mentioned, one stands out for his spiritual intensity: Epaphras. A fellow believer from Colosse, Epaphras, didn’t just mention his friends in passing; he “labored” for them.

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis” (Colossians 4:12-13).

To “labor fervently” suggests a wrestling — a deep, intentional pleading with God. Epaphras understood that the greatest danger facing the church wasn’t physical persecution, but spiritual drift. He prayed that they would not be “tossed to and fro” by every wind of doctrine but would instead grow into spiritual maturity.

His zeal is a convicting example for us today. When we see our children, grandchildren, or fellow believers struggling with the temptations of this world or the “cunning craftiness” of false teachers, our primary recourse is the same: to labor for them in prayer, asking God to keep them in His protective hand.

The Power of the Written Word

Paul concludes his letter with a practical instruction that highlights the supreme importance of Scripture: “Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16).

The early church grew because they “continued in the Word.” Paul knew that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (cf. Rom. 10:17). This is why he urged Timothy to “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13).

Why is reading and hearing the Word so vital?

• It Corrects: When we wander into sin, the Word rebukes us and calls us to repentance.

• It Comforts: When guilt weighs us down, the Word points us to the finished work of Christ on the cross.

• It Guides: It is a “lamp to our feet,” showing us how to live a life pleasing to God. Without a constant immersion in the Scriptures, we become vulnerable to the lies of the enemy. But as Jesus promised, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

Reflection and Prayer

As we look at the example of Epaphras and the commands of St. Paul, let us examine our own hearts. Do we labor for others in prayer? Do we cherish the reading of God’s Word as our daily bread?

A Prayer for the Word

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Thy Holy Word we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]
^

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:5-6

How should we, as Christians, conduct ourselves in our dealings with those outside Christ’s church? The Apostle Paul answers in the closing words of his instruction to the believers at the church in Colosse: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

We, as believers, ought to live our lives wisely in regard to those outside Christ’s church, redeeming the time and making use of every opportunity God gives to make known to them the truth revealed to us by God in His Word.

We may not realize it, but how we live and conduct our business here in this world can make someone either want to know more about our faith or want nothing to do with it. Sometimes, an uncharitable word is all it takes to close the door to further witness.

Thus, how important it is to be charitable and honest in all our dealings with those not only inside but also outside the church!

We ought to buy back the time commonly given to evil or frivolity and make use of every moment God gives us to share the good news of God’s mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. And our speech should “always be with grace,” reflecting the grace of God toward us in Christ Jesus. When we remember how much the Lord has forgiven each of us and to what lengths He went to bring about our salvation — even going to the cross and suffering and dying for our sins — should it be any trouble for us to speak kindly, even to our enemies and to those who have mistreated us?

Being “seasoned with salt” means our conversations with those outside the church should be both winsome and truthful. The Christian must wisely and consistently share the truth at every opportunity, rightly applying the warnings of God’s law and the comforts of the Gospel of forgiveness and life in Christ Jesus. We cannot and should not try to coerce people into the kingdom of God. Rather, we share the truth with them and let the Holy Spirit convince their hearts.

The way in which we converse with those outside Christ’s church may vary with each person, making it so important that our speech “always be with grace, seasoned with salt,” so that we, rightly, give an answer to every person. For this, we most certainly need the wisdom and direction of God’s Spirit in our daily lives and conversations.

But what if we have been less than honest and charitable in our dealings with those outside the church? What if, instead of being motivated by God’s grace toward us, we dealt with someone from the selfishness and wickedness of our old, sinful nature? What can we do?

There is no better way than to honestly admit our sins and misdeeds to the Lord Jesus and to those whom we have offended — even if they are outside of Christ’s church. We know from the Bible that God is gracious and forgives sins for the sake of Christ’s blood, shed on the cross, when we repent and look to Him in faith. And, what better witness to our faith in God’s mercy and grace than to admit our own sins and failures and look to Him for pardon and forgiveness!

O Holy Spirit, grant me wisdom in my dealings with those who do not yet know and trust in Christ Jesus, that my speech may reflect Your grace and that I might wisely use the time and opportunities given me to share the good news of God’s mercy toward sinners for Jesus’ sake. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4

The Apostle Paul, in prison for his testimony to the crucified and risen Christ, urges his fellow believers at Colosse to continue in prayer. And while they are praying to the Lord God, watching and giving thanks for God’s answers to their prayers, Paul urges them to remember him and his companions in their prayers as well.

Notice that Paul doesn’t request his release from prison, but rather the opportunity to speak of Christ and of the salvation Christ Jesus has purchased with His blood for all mankind. Paul desires the opportunity to tell the mystery of Christ — that which had been veiled before and only in part revealed through the prophecies of the Old Testament, but was now made known in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Paul was in bonds for telling the truth about Messiah Jesus, and he requested the prayers of his fellow believers that he would be given further opportunity to tell others of Jesus and of the forgiveness and life which Jesus won for all mankind — for both Jews and Gentiles — by His holy life and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the sins of the world.

Paul asked for prayers on his behalf that he might make the mystery of Christ manifest and openly known to all. He asked for prayers that he might hold back nothing, even in the face of adversity, but speak the saving Gospel as he ought to speak it that his hearers might be moved to repent of their sinful ways and look in faith to Jesus and His cross for pardon and peace with God.

This should be the desire of all ministers of the Gospel — for open doors and opportunities to speak the truth and tell others about Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection. And, this should be our prayer for all who are called to preach the Gospel — that they would hold back nothing of God’s Word, but preach the truth about man’s sinfulness and proclaim Christ Jesus and His blood shed on the cross as the only hope for sinful mankind.

No matter what our circumstances or what obstacles would prevent us from speaking of Jesus and making known the plan of God for the salvation of the world — that great mystery which has been revealed to us in the coming of Christ Jesus and made known to us through the Word of God — let us pray that God would give us opportunities to speak of Jesus and of the forgiveness and life He won for all, and that we hold nothing back, but speak as we ought to speak, that others, too, may know Him and trust in Him as their Savior!

O Spirit of God, we thank You for making known to us the mystery of the Gospel — for revealing to us that Jesus is God the Son in human flesh and that He has made full atonement for all our sins by His holy life and innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the sins of the world. Open doors that your called ministers may make known the mystery of the Gospel. Give us boldness to speak as we ought to speak, testifying against unrighteousness and sin but proclaiming divine mercy and forgiveness through faith in the crucified and risen Savior, Christ Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (Read Colossians 3:18 — 4:1)

The book of Colossians centers on the “preeminence of Christ.” Paul argues that because Jesus is the Lord of creation and the head of the Church, His redemption should permeate every corner of our lives. When we are brought to faith in His cross, we aren’t just given a ticket to heaven; we are integrated into a new Kingdom with a new, God-pleasing way of relating to one another.

It is as Paul writes in Colossians 1:13-14: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

In Colossians 3:18 — 4:1, Paul moves from theological heights to the “gritty” reality of the household. He shows us that our faith is most visible in our most private and mundane relationships.

1. Harmony in the Home

For the redeemed, the home is the primary mission field. Paul addresses the core of the household, calling for a mutual yielding to the lordship of Christ.

Wives and Husbands: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Col. 3:18-19). Redemption removes the power struggles of the Fall. Submission is not about inequality but about “fitting” order in Christ; likewise, husbands are commanded to a self-sacrificial love that forbids resentment or harshness.

Children and Parents: “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:20-21). A household under the Cross is characterized by a lack of provocation. Parents are called to nurture their children, ensuring their discipline leads to life rather than resentment or despair.

2. Excellence in Our Labor

Paul then addresses “bondservants” and “masters.” In our modern context, we apply these principles in our workplaces and in our professional integrity.

The Heart of the Worker: “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Col. 3:22). As citizens of a new Kingdom, we no longer work just for a paycheck or a promotion. We work with “sincerity of heart” because we serve Christ, our Savior, and seek to honor Him in all things.

The Ultimate Reward: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24). This is the great equalizer of the Kingdom. Whether you are cleaning a floor or running a corporation, the work is “as to the Lord.” Our “inheritance” is secure in Christ, freeing us from the need to find our identity in our earthly status.

3. Justice in Leadership

Finally, Paul speaks to those in positions of authority.

The master’s Master: “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Col. 4:1). Redemption reminds the leader that they are also a follower. Accountability to Christ changes how we treat those “under” us. We are called to be “just and fair” because we have been treated with justice and mercy at the Cross.

Reflection

Being “brought to faith” means realizing that there is no “secular” part of your life. Every dish washed, every email sent, and every word spoken to a spouse is an act of worship. We live differently because we serve a different King.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the redemption He purchased for us upon the Cross. We are humbled that You have graciously called us out of darkness and into the Kingdom of Your dear Son. Lord, we ask that the reality of our new life in Christ would reach into the very details of our daily walk. Help us to live out the instructions of Your Word with “sincerity of heart.” In our homes, grant us the humility to serve one another and the grace to put away all bitterness, that our families might reflect Your love. In our work, deliver us from the trap of “eyeservice” and people-pleasing. Remind us that whatever we do, we do it for You. In our positions of influence, keep us ever mindful that we also have a Master in heaven, that we might act with justice, fairness, and kindness. May our lives be a living testimony to the power of the Gospel. Let everything we do be done heartily, as to the Lord, knowing that our true reward is found in You alone. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]