Fat Tuesday
Entering Lent With Psalm 1
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Fat Tuesday is known as a day of indulgence and revelry before the Lenten season begins. It's a day when many people indulge in excess before spending time fasting in preparation for Easter. However, Fat Tuesday is far from being a holy day. It stands in stark contrast to being Christ-like.
I've been spending time memorizing Psalm 1. One thing that stands out to me is the progression, or perhaps I should say the regression, of the unrighteous
person. It goes like this:
"Blessed is the man who
does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly,
or stand in the way of sinners,
or sit in the seat of mockers."
There is a slowing down that occurs of walking, standing, and sitting. Much like when we are tempted to sin, we first notice the temptation and give it our
attention. And if we linger, we may find ourselves giving in to it.
On the other hand, the righteous do not stop to entertain temptation. Instead, their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law they meditate day and night.
This reminds me of the Apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy to flee youthful lusts and pursue
righteousness. Whatever form temptation takes, don't give it your attention. Don't slow down. Run! When we are tempted, God promises to provide a way of
escape (1 Corinthians 10:13), but we must be willing to take it!
There is great blessing in delighting in the law of the LORD. As Psalm 1 teaches,
it makes us like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season. It is the path to a righteous life, a life that God watches over and blesses.
As we transition into the Lenten season, let us keep our minds focused on Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us. May our hearts echo the prayer of our LORD in the garden of Gethsemane:
Not my will, but yours be done.
Over the next forty days*, let us look forward with anticipation to Resurrection Sunday. During this time,
let us indulge in ways to honor our LORD with our words and actions. This season
of the year is an opportunity for us to become more like the blessed man in
Psalm 1, who delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on it day and night.
Let us endeavor to be like the fruitful tree, deeply rooted in God's word, running towards righteousness. And may this Lenten season be a time of spiritual growth and renewal as we draw closer to our LORD. Amen?
Copyright 2025 S.A. Keith
*What is LENT?
Check out our humorous
children's sermon about Lent.
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