Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a period of prayer, fasting, and giving for Christ-followers. During Lent, we are called to contemplate our need for Christ and His sacrifice on our behalf. The placing of ashes on the skin signifies our mortality as human beings, mourning for our sinfulness, and repentence unto God.
Ashes really are the perfect substance to associate with Lent, for three reasons (at least):
1. They represent death, the charred remains of what once lived. No matter how vital we may be right now, eventually our mortal bodies will be dust.
2. They also symbolize the death of the things within us that need to die, namely sin.
3. They are the perfect incubator for new life. Want to know the best way to grow a glorious garden? Spread ashes in the soil. Only by dying to sin and adhering to Christ do we find new and glorious life.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenheated, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
We shall wear a crown of beauty and become oaks of righteousness - but only by first acknowledging our ashes and repenting to the Lord who loves us so. Stayed tuned for an opportunity to share your Lenten journey here!
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