Hey everyone,
I was recently listening to a devotional by John Ortberg when I noticed what seemed like dirt on his face. But as I looked closer, I realized it was a cross made of ashes. He wasn’t just wearing dirt—he was observing Ash Wednesday.
For some, Ash Wednesday might not be a familiar practice. It’s not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, and for many of us, it wasn’t a tradition we grew up with. However, for nearly 1,700 years, followers of Jesus have found deep meaning in this observance. Even if Ash Wednesday or Lent isn't part of your tradition, there’s still something we can learn from it—and it's never too late to engage in the season of Lent.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter. Throughout church history, Lent has been a time of prayer and fasting, a season to prepare our hearts for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Think of Easter as the Super Bowl of the Christian faith—a day to rejoice in Jesus' victory over sin and death!
Why 40 days? Because when Jesus began His public ministry, He fasted for 40 days. By observing Lent, we symbolically follow His lead, setting aside distractions and drawing closer to God.
Why the Ashes?
Ortberg explains that in Scripture, ashes remind us of our mortality—that we were formed from dust, and to dust, we shall return (Genesis 3:19). Acknowledging our finite lives helps us recognize our deep need for a Savior.
Ashes also symbolize repentance. In the Old Testament, people grieving their sin would sit in ashes as a sign of humility and turning back to God. And after a sacrifice for sin, what remained? Ash. It was a visible reminder that sin had been atoned for.
Here’s the beauty of the gospel: God takes our brokenness, mortality, and repentance—and brings new life out of them. That’s the essence of the resurrection!
It’s Not Too Late to Start Fasting
It's never too late to step into the season of Lent. Consider fasting in some way—whether giving up a meal, a specific food, or something else that distracts you from focusing on God.
Fasting can deepen your faith, refocus your heart, and help you grow closer to God. So don’t worry if you missed Ash Wednesday—start today. Let’s use this season to refocus our hearts and prepare together for the celebration of Easter.
