Because He Died

Genesis 3:19 (NIV)
Ash Wednesday

¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow

you will eat your food

until you return to the ground,

since from it you were taken;

for dust you are

and to dust you will return.”  

Last year this time, Pastor Brodie wrote a devotion for Ash Wednesday. I am using part of that writing here for us to consider and take in as we begin this journey once again. This season is a time to examine ourselves, and our lives together in the Body of Christ. It is a time when many of us try to do something good. Some will give up a favorite food or drink in remembrance of Jesus giving up His life for us. Others will take on a new practice. Perhaps more prayer, improved family time, reading our Bible regularly, or serving others.

The key is to continue these practices after Lent. To carry on with the new behaviors we adopted and see how close we can draw to Jesus and to one another.

"Ash Wednesday is the day that we linger with the bad news instead of rushing to proclaim the Good News. The Good News is so good because the bad news is so bad. Sin will run its course, these human bodies will turn to dust one day, we were made from dust and to dust we will return.

Forty-six days from now we will proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. Until then let us not forget…we were made from dust and to dust we shall return."  --  Pastor Brodie Taphorn

                                                            

Additional reading for today: Mark 9:33-37

Dust and Ashes

The imposition of ashes, this assurance of our physical death, carries two tones that we should consider during Lent - on one hand, this is a somber thought which points us to remembering God's judgement and our own mortality. But on the other hand, there is a freedom in this truth that we also find in Psalm 51 - when we remember our low position, and see the high position of God, we are freed from the need to "keep it together." We can slow down, rest, admit our weakness and find freedom under the reign of King Jesus.

Yesterday, Ash Wednesday, we were reminded that we are but dust, and to dust we will return. The process of receiving ashes is a sobering one, especially if we have recently lost a loved one.  Memories come crashing through, but, when our loved one had a relationship with Jesus, it makes all the difference for us as Christians. While we grieve our loss, and miss that person deeply, we also know that their story doesn't end with their death. It is just the beginning.

The two scripture references below are a good example of repentance (Psalm 51) as well as acknowledging our sinful nature and the need for this repentance all the time. I can certainly relate with Paul as he said, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15)

Father, forgive my weak nature, my sinful ways, and reveal your path for my life, especially during this Lenten Season.  Amen.

Psalm 16:1-6

Romans 7:14-25

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

I read a very interesting article in one of the Christian magazines I subscribe to about prayer and fasting.  The subject is fascinating while scary at the same time.  The Bible calls us to pray and fast, and we have put lots of spins on what this is to look like.  I guess that is why I wrote that it is scary.  I don't want to do this wrong.  If God is pointing out the need or requirement for this practice, far be it from me to mess it up.

It sounds like I am letting my pride get in the way before I even begin. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others." (Matthew 6:5) “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting." (Matthew 6:16)

The magazine article said fasting is a wholehearted desire to know God and to seek Him.  Spending time with God in prayer is the focus of fasting, not abstaining from food.  Isn't that what we want to do?  I know when I spend quality time with God, I feel closer to Him than when I rush through my morning quiet time.

These scriptures have reminded me of the importance of drawing near to God.  On this day, Ash Wednesday, when we are reminded that we are dust and to dust we shall return is perfect timing.

Read the Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 text here.  Listen to Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 here.