Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. (For a discussion on what Lent is and why some Christians observe it see the last blog.) Ashes in the Hebrew world were a symbol of morning and of repentance. Jesus uses it as an example of repentance and how stubborn the people were:
Matthew 11:20-21 (NIV) 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. "
Some churches have services on Ash Wednesday where they will put ashes on people’s foreheads as a sign that they are entering the time of mourning, repentance and prayer. During Lent or any fast it is very helpful to use the increased prayer to ask God to show you sin in your life. The word “shub” in Hebrew is often translated as “repent” in the NIV literally means to turn.
Often when we are tempted to sin the enemy tells us “it is no big deal, everyone does it, you deserve it, God doesn’t really care about something that small”. Ironically after we have fallen and try to stop sinning, the enemy uses the exact opposite argument against us and says “I can’t believe you did that, you are the worst, why would God love you? What will everyone think?” This gives us the impression that we are far from God. I am sure you can all identify with this feeling. When we stumble we feel like we are miles off course and it will take us forever to get back to God. That is a lie. God is always pursuing us. When we are turned away from Him we feel like we are getting further and further away from Him but all we have to do is turn.
James 4:8 (NIV) Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
If we take the smallest of stumbling baby steps toward God, He is running full speed to us. We can never make up the distance we stray, but He is always able.
Whether or not you are observing Lent, take time and ask God to show you the areas in which you have turned away and ask Him to help you turn back towards Him (repent). You will find He is already there waiting!
Mark Wallace
Matthew 11:20-21 (NIV) 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. "
Some churches have services on Ash Wednesday where they will put ashes on people’s foreheads as a sign that they are entering the time of mourning, repentance and prayer. During Lent or any fast it is very helpful to use the increased prayer to ask God to show you sin in your life. The word “shub” in Hebrew is often translated as “repent” in the NIV literally means to turn.
Often when we are tempted to sin the enemy tells us “it is no big deal, everyone does it, you deserve it, God doesn’t really care about something that small”. Ironically after we have fallen and try to stop sinning, the enemy uses the exact opposite argument against us and says “I can’t believe you did that, you are the worst, why would God love you? What will everyone think?” This gives us the impression that we are far from God. I am sure you can all identify with this feeling. When we stumble we feel like we are miles off course and it will take us forever to get back to God. That is a lie. God is always pursuing us. When we are turned away from Him we feel like we are getting further and further away from Him but all we have to do is turn.
James 4:8 (NIV) Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
If we take the smallest of stumbling baby steps toward God, He is running full speed to us. We can never make up the distance we stray, but He is always able.
Whether or not you are observing Lent, take time and ask God to show you the areas in which you have turned away and ask Him to help you turn back towards Him (repent). You will find He is already there waiting!
Mark Wallace
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