Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of the season of Lent. This season leading up to Easter is a time of fasting and prayer, as we are reminded of Jesus' own time of fasting and temptation in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11In the Bible, we read many accounts in which people put on sackcloth and ashes. See, for example, the story from Jonah 3 of the people of Nineveh who repented when they heard the prophet Jonah's message:
"When word of it reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, stripped himself of his robe, covered himself with mourning clothes, and sat in ashes." Jonah 3:6 CEBThese outward actions involving sackcloth and ashes were signs of the people's repentance of sins. During this season, we again remember our own need for repentance and faith in Jesus, the sinless One. We are reminded to turn our focus to Jesus and heavenly things rather than focusing on earthly, temporal things. Colossians 3:1-2
May the acts of repentance and fasting never become simply ritualistic events. God desires us to live daily as His redeemed people, bringing His message of hope and love to the world. Isaiah 58
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