Ash Wednesday?!?

Hugh has been teaching a class on Wed. nights about doctrine and apologetics (Why we believe what we believe). I am going to start posting some of the questions he brings up. They really get you thinking!

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow and many get ashes on their foreheads that day. Why?? It is also the beginning of Lent. Is that biblical? Do we ever think much about these rituals and how should we approach them.

Lent is a period of fasting and repentance traditionally observed by Catholics and some Protestant denominations in preparation for Easter. The length of lent is 40 days and you simply give up a food or habit for that time. Lent is a way to remind catholics to repent of sin like those in the Old Testament.(Eshter 4:1-3, Jeremiah 6:26,Daniel 9:3) Some believe its a way of gaining blessing from God.

The Bible does NOT teach that such acts have any merit with God. (Isaiah 64:6). In fact the New Testament teaches us that our acts of fasting and repentance should be done in a manner that does not attract attention to ourselves. "When you fast do not look somber as the hypocrites do, with ashes....When you fast, wash your face and do not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matt 6:16-18).

Fasting is a good thing when done with a Biblical perspective. It is good and pleasing to God when we give up sinful habits and practices. There is absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside time to focus on Jesus death and resurrection. However, these practices should be done every day of the year!!
Feel free to observe lent, but be sure your focus is on repenting from your sins and concecrating yourself to God - not on trying to earn God's favor or increase His love for you!