“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

It’s Holy Week. A week where we tend to think about Jesus and His huge sacrifice for all mankind. We can’t forget to make it personal. “Blessed is ME whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” My husband always says, “If it was only for me, Jesus still would have gone to the cross.” The sacrifice of Christ is incredibly personal.

Many Pentecostals have let go of Lent in disdain of church tradition. But if we let go of Lent, then when do we pause and recall all that we’ve been saved from? Lent is a time of reflection and gratitude. It’s an opportunity for inventory; here’s what I did and why I’m so thankful. Lent is creating a wide space in our annual calendar to remember just how much we need Jesus.

“Blessed are WE, whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”

“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you upright in heart!l (Psalm 32:11 NIV)

Easter is even better when we remember why we require it. Lent acknowledges the need and Easter acknowledges the glorious meeting of that need.

Lord, You have forgiven us of so much; from selfishness, lust, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, hatred, rage and so on. You have saved us from the worst we could be. You haven’t only covered our sin, but somehow, also, recreated us in the covering. You have taken our ugly and made it beautiful in the redemptive light of Your Kingdom. We don’t want to forget. We want to remember the miracles You have worked out and through us. As Easter approaches this week, may our joy and gratitude be ever-increasing. Amen.