A Lenten commitment is meant to help us move closer to God. My Lenten commitment this year has been to fast from bedtime Thursday until Sunday morning. I chose this time because it coincides with Jesus arrest on Thursday evening until His resurrection on Easter morning.
Each week, I have denied myself solid food for two days as a reminder of the suffering that He chose to endure for my sake. For most of my life, I never really thought about the fact that He chose to undergo torture, isolation, humiliation, and death. I knew it, but it seemed an academic kind of knowledge, not a true understanding.
When The Passion of the Christ came out in 2004, I bought the DVD and watched it. I guess I expected something like “The Robe” or “Jesus of Nazareth.” I was struck dumb with the graphic realism. That movie, more than a lifetime of Bible study, really brought home to me how terribly Jesus suffered.
I know that many people have been critical of it, especially since Gibson has managed to get himself into such terrible scrapes since making it. However, it is a fact that crucifixion was the main method of execution at that time. Whippings as punishment were common even through the 18th century. As modern Americans we have no reference for these things in our daily life. This was the most honest portrayal of the situation ever made.
Now, when I am tempted to cheat on my Lenten commitment and I think of His choice to fulfill His promise and what it cost Him, the words “I am weak, but Thou art strong.” take on a whole new meaning. Let us renew our commitment to our Lord each day and be grateful that we do not need to pay His price for our blessings.
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