Day 1 of 90+

Day 1 of 90+. Set your sites 90 days down the road. What do you plan to accomplish? Let’s take a springtime stroll through these 90 days. Broken down into a trio of segments, we have;

40 days leading up to the celebration of Easter;

Continue on 40 more to another landmark celebration of the Ascension;

Roll on another 10 into the remembrance of Pentecost.

These a trinity of monumental, historical dates—anniversaries, of sorts.

But are they a celebration of a date or an event…or a Person? The One and Only God-Man that accomplished the impossible in 90+ days.

Buds form on the trees at the start of this blessed season to be in full bloom by its end. Hopefully a spirit in full bloom, as well.

How I love this stretch of days! Tuning the heart to the rhythm of eternity. Remembering afresh the astounding wonder of sacrifice, love, and grace. Rejoicing and receiving the Risen Lord. Having our hearts race; ache; break. Living in The Story. The passionate Story the Trinity has written on our hearts. They arouse the gospel-life planted within—to sprout, unfold.

In “Reliving the Passion,” Walter Wangerin pointed out that the disciples had to approach the Resurrection while in deep mourning. They entered by way of the Crucifixion. When we celebrate Easter, we approach it through the Resurrection. Tell me, whose was the greater joy? The greater cause for celebration? The deeper sense of the miraculous? They had lost Jesus to a cruel death. He was not just a good friend, He was their hope for deliverance…restoration… victory—dashed in such abrupt and shocking finality. Their sorrow, unfathomable. Their surprise, unparalleled. And their rejoicing? Authentic and exuberant!

We can’t change the date or place ourselves on a different point of God’s timeline to be able to share that same response of that first Easter. Or the Ascension or Pentecost. We cannot discount the Spirit and the Word, however, to elevate our passion. To ignite a flame that we might get fired up about Jesus. I want that! I especially want that for Him!

But we. We must reduce ourselves to ash. Humbly view ourselves with sober judgment and remember from where we came and to the depths we sank—lost eternally in sin. And look up to the enthroned King on High with a proper perspective. Bow in reverent fear before the Just and Holy One, Giver and Sustainer Of All Life and marvel at His obedience; His love for and unity with the Father.

Today marks the 1st day of the Lent season. May the redeemed travel through each of these days with resurrected joy. Celebrating not our redemption or our salvation but The Redeemer, The Savior.

So, don’t you know the Lord can accomplish just such a feat in 90+ days? Consider what He accomplished in His span of 90+. In one fateful Friday. One glorious Sunday. He can redeem our Easter, our worship. Resurrect our hearts from a heap of ash and breathe in new life. For hasn’t He once already?

Give the next 90+ to Him. Watch that bud of love for Him bloom and grow. Share it! Then send it heavenward—as worship of our Risen King.


Reduce me to ash, Holy God. Breathe in me fresh life, Holy Spirit. Sanctify me in these, Thy Days, Lord Jesus.

“Jesus said to her,
‘I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live,
even though he dies;’ ”
[Jn 11:25]

Links to previous Easter Advent launches:
Tessarakoste
‘Tis the Season