The Meaning of Ash Wednesday

by Pastor William Mack  |  January 30, 2012

      Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Church season we call “Lent”. While many associate Lent simply with “mid-week services and potlucks”, the Lenten theme begins with “Ash” Wednesday for a reason. Historically, many Christian churches took ashes on that day and smeared them on their forehead as a sign of repentance from sin. This was taken from the Old Testament. Numbers 19:9, for example, says, 

“Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes (of a sacrificed heifer) and store them outside the camp in a clean place; and they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification; it is for purifying from sin.” 

The ashes of cattle did not spiritually cleanse the person but pointed to the One Who would suffer death and purify them; Jesus. Nowhere is the application of ashes called for in the New Testament. Why? Because the actual sacrifice of God’s Son has been carried out. Where? On Mount Calvary….at the Cross.

     Lent, then, is a season of repentance. Even the color, violet, has historically been used to proclaim this theme. This is important today, especially with the recent surge in popularity of “mega-churches” and their emphasis on entertainment. Of course, there is nothing wrong with God-pleasing entertainment but when the message of contrition, repentance and grace-based faith get lost because a church bases its “ministry” on it, severe problems arise; sinful pride swells, the definition of “sin” gets blurred and salvation starts to get based on “man’s works”. 

     So, rather than smear ashes on your forehead, start looking for time (every day) when you can go before the Lord and confess your sins; the ones (at least) you’re aware of. You can simply confess transgressions of “thoughts, words and deeds” or go into more depth. But the most important part is the absolution; the part that brings the soul and heart comfort. Yes…the message of complete and free forgiveness through the sacrifice….not of a bull….but of our Savior, Jesus…for you…..for YOU. His suffering and death assures us that the ultimate sacrifice has been accomplished. God is now pleased with us through Him; by His grace, through faith. Eternally, that is much more satisfying and comforting than even the best-looking ashes on the forehead! May you find abundant blessings this Lenten season. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Valentines Day

by Pastor Mack  |  January 17, 2012

 Valentine’s Day is in February. Although not a “church festival”, our entire nation celebrates it with much gusto. Roses, candy and cards are sent and “love” seems to be “in the air”. But how do we know if someone loves us? Is it because someone feeds us, gives us clothes to wear, and a roof over our head? (Like a prison warden.) No. Generally, we “feel” loved. It is an emotion; one that can be triggered by genuine sincerity…. or trickery! We can actually fool a person into thinking we love them!

    We know our Moms loved us (for example) but how about God? Do we know that God actually loves us because (like the prison warden) He feeds us, clothes us and provides us with opportunities to work? No. Why? Because people are starving all over the world! Most are poor; without a roof and have only the clothes on their backs! And if we turn to creation, we only see a God Who is powerful and extremely intelligent;… not loving! Neither can we turn to our “feelings”. The Mormon church, for example, tells its prospects to “read the Book of Mormon and ask God to give you a burning in your ‘bosom’”(chest) for “proof” of the “truth”.  But feelings can come and go at will (or be caused by indigestion!) and even be given by the Devil himself! Needless to say, they should never be used to base one’s faith on! So how can we know, for sure, that God loves us?
    The Bible reveals to us the greatest “Valentine” ever. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Because of God’s unconditional love for us, proven by the sending of His Son to suffer, die and rise again for us, we know He loves us. (Even when we don’t feel it.) “But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5: 5) Not our love for God, for that is imperfect and stained with sin ( Isaiah 64:6),  but God’s love for us! “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (I John 4:10) “You KNOW that I love you”, Jesus told Peter (John 21:16). We “know”, too, (through the Bible) that God truly loves us because He sent His Son to this earth to guarantee us everlasting life, by His grace alone, through faith alone in Christ. Happy Valentine’s Day, from the one Who gave you a heart and a renewed soul washed in the blood of Jesus. In His Name, Amen.