The purpose of this blog is not to dwell on church doctrines but to emphasize the teachings of the Bible. However, it’s inevitable that church traditions will come up in the discussion. It’s common to distance ourselves from labels like Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, or others, dismissing them as man-made practices. While I agree with the principle of focusing solely on biblical truth, I also acknowledge that some of these traditions, even if they aren’t part of our direct practices, can align with biblical principles.
Understanding why God provides us with scripture is far more valuable than dismissing it to avoid confronting traditions. We should seek wisdom in His Word rather than turning away from its teachings.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal within the Christian faith. While the Bible does not specifically mention Ash Wednesday, its foundational themes are deeply rooted in Scripture. Let’s explore the biblical principles that guide this observance and encourage us in our walk of faith.
Ash Wednesday highlights the profound theme of embracing our mortality. The solemn declaration during the law of ashes, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” serves as a poignant reminder of the truth found in Genesis 3:19.
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
This verse serves as a bittersweet reminder of our human fragility and the fleeting nature of life. It encourages us to embrace humility, acknowledging our reliance on God for every moment of existence.
Ash Wednesday serves as a powerful reminder of deep repentance, a theme vividly brought to life in the book of Job. Confronted by God’s overwhelming majesty and his own human frailty, Job responds with profound humility:
“Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:6)
Job’s repentance in dust and ashes stands as a profound example, inspiring us to renounce our sins and approach God with genuine hearts, seeking His forgiveness.
Fasting and prayer during Lent have deep biblical roots. In the scriptures, Daniel’s heartfelt plea for God’s mercy is marked by fasting and the symbolic use of ashes:
“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” (Daniel 9:3)
Daniel’s example teaches us the importance of seeking God with a contrite spirit, dedicating time to prayer and fasting as we draw closer to Him.
Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount emphasize the attitude we should have during times of fasting and repentance:
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18)
Jesus calls us to approach our spiritual practices with humility and sincerity, focusing on our relationship with God rather than seeking the approval of others.
The use of ashes as a symbol of mourning and repentance is also seen in the story of Mordecai in the book of Esther:
“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry.” (Esther 4:1)
Mordecai’s actions reveal profound sorrow for his people’s suffering and a sincere cry for divine intervention. In the same way, Ash Wednesday calls us to grieve our sins and earnestly seek God’s mercy.
Ash Wednesday serves as a powerful call to repentance, humility, and renewal. As we embark on the journey of Lent, let us wholeheartedly embrace these timeless principles, redirecting our hearts toward God with genuine devotion. May this sacred season inspire spiritual growth and bring us closer to the One who grants forgiveness and new beginnings.