ASH WEDNESDAY
"The LORD anointed me to comfort all who mourn, and provide for
those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead
of ashes."
- Isaiah 61:1-3
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a time for repentance,
a time for each of us humbly and reverently to bow before God,
confessing our sins, recognizing what we deserve from God and pleading
for His mercy. It is a time to emphasize, not just outward forms of
worship, but the humble spirit of worship. We come to worship in body
and spirit. The ashes are one way of reminding us of the truths
encompassing us all. They bid us remember that we are dust and ashes,
and to dust we shall return. Ashes are gray and grim, but they remind
us of Christ's victory over . . .
ASH WEDNESDAY
"The LORD anointed me to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes."
- Isaiah 61:1-3
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a time for repentance, a time for each of us humbly and reverently to bow before God, confessing our sins, recognizing what we deserve from God and pleading for His mercy. It is a time to emphasize, not just outward forms of worship, but the humble spirit of worship. We come to worship in body and spirit. The ashes are one way of reminding us of the truths encompassing us all. They bid us remember that we are dust and ashes, and to dust we shall return. Ashes are gray and grim, but they remind us of Christ's victory over sin and death. Even without the ashes we grieve in our hearts over our sins.
If lent is to be worth while, we must place the emphasis not on externals, but on the heart. In Joel 2 calls us to: "Rend your heart, and not your garments." God doesn't want just outward adherence to some religious ceremony. He wants heart felt worship. This is the point of the words of our text. Don't just do it for show, do it for the love of God and giving Him the glory.
Let your life of repentance ring true in your doing, giving, praying, fasting and evaluating.
Step by step we follow our LORD on His journey, scene by scene His passion view. Contemplate His condemnation, as we walk this way anew. Step by step we learn the story, how the LORD fulfills our needs. Way of sorrows, way of glory, faithfully our Savior leads.
PRAY - O Lamb of God, help me in this holy season to behold Thee in the shame and glory of Thy suffering. Amen.