Ash Wednesday & Lent: More Than a Ritual

By Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Worship

I remember as a kid seeing people walk around with a cross on their forehead, looking like it was painted on with the burnt end of a stick from the fireplace. When I eventually asked what it was all about, I was told (like I should have known), “It’s Ash Wednesday.” It would be years later that I discovered what Ash Wednesday was all about, and still years after that until I understood how Ash Wednesday and Lent could be part of the life of someone who goes to a contemporary, non-denominational, Bible-believing church, that has not observed many of the practices of more traditional churches. Let me explain what I have learned about Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 46 days before Easter. “Ash Wednesday” derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are traditionally gathered after the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. Primarily Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and some Baptist denominations observe this practice.

In many cases ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross. This practice is the equivalent to the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ashes over one's head to signify repentance before God, as found in many places throughout the Bible (Numbers 19:17, Job 42:3-6, Jeremiah 6:26, Daniel 9:3, Jonah 3:6). There are also numerous New Testament references that point to this use of ashes in the tradition of believers coming to God in repentance. Much the same way that Baptism is an outward symbol of an internal transformation, the ashes are a symbol of a heart that has sought forgiveness. Ash Wednesday also serves as the first day of Lent, a fasting period leading up to Easter where believers give up something of importance (certain foods or modern conveniences like TV, cell phones, or computers) for the purpose of prayer and surrender to God.

So does this tradition have any place in the life of believers today? When it comes to the forgiveness of sin and redemption of believers, that was the work of Christ on the cross (Heb. 9:13-14). But there are aspects to this tradition that are valuable for reminding us of the need for repentance in our heart and to live in surrender to the will of God.

As with anything, it can be easy to allow meaningful tradition to slip into mindless ritual. Ashes on the forehead and the refrain from certain indulgences or activities for a period of time without a heart attitude that desires intimacy with God is useless. However, when we approach these traditions with a willingness to allow God to move in our heart and life, these intentional acts of worship can be exactly that – worship!

As we move into this season of Lent, whether or not you choose to officially participate with the physical markings of Ash Wednesday, I want to challenge you with the heart of this tradition. What in your life needs to be taken to God with a heart of repentance? What is an area of your life that you have not surrendered to God, instead fulfilling your own desires? Is there anything that has become the Lord of your life that you need to surrender to Jesus, allowing Him to be the foundation of your life? And as a symbol of your commitment to God and your pursuit of Him, are you willing to give those things up until Easter?

If you are willing to take up this challenge, I am confident that God will reveal Himself to you in some surprising ways. I also believe that the Holy Spirit will reveal some things about ourselves that will make us more genuine in our pursuit of Christ as we let Him have the throne. Prayer and fasting is something we see in scripture as an intentional way to get us out of the way and put Christ front and center. In that process we can see the ways we have sought to serve ourselves, justified sin, and not given Christ His proper place in our day-to-day lives. Though I am confident it will not be easy, I am looking forward to the next six weeks as I pursue God through prayer and intentionally surrender significant things in my life that I may be giving too big a place in my heart.

I would encourage you to consider joining me as well.