Episode 588: Ash Wednesday

February 22, 2023 00:10:00
Episode 588: Ash Wednesday
1010 Thrive
Episode 588: Ash Wednesday

Feb 22 2023 | 00:10:00

/

Show Notes

After having explored spiritual insights and lessons from black history, in recognition of Black History Month in the United States, we begin a new series called “Perspectives on Easter.” Our focus will mostly be on the people who play both major and minor roles in the Easter story. Most days we will hear first person accounts from those who were involved in the final days of Jesus’ life and who witnessed his resurrection. On other days we will explore some of the history of traditions related to Easter or some of the relevant places, practices, or artifacts.

 

Today, on this Wednesday, there are Christians around the world who celebrate Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Its official name is “Day of Ashes,” so called because of the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s forehead in the sign of a cross. Since it is exactly 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Sunday, it will always fall on a Wednesday—there cannot be an “Ash Thursday” or “Ash Monday.” 

 

The Bible never mentions Ash Wednesday—for that matter, it never mentions Lent. However, there are lessons we can learn from how ashes, dust, and sackcloth were used in the Bible. Scriptures referenced include Ephesians 2:14; John 17:21; 2 Samuel 3:31; Genesis 37:34; Esther 4:1, 3; ; Esther 3:8–15; Jonah 3:5-10; 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 30:11; and Matthew 6:16-18.

Other Episodes

Episode 973

August 28, 2024 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 973: The Judgment to Come

The Great Fire of London in 1666, which started from a small spark in a bakery, rapidly grew into an uncontrollable blaze that destroyed...

Listen

Episode 906

May 27, 2024 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 906: The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark, traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter, was likely written around 65-70 AD for a Gentile audience. It...

Listen

Episode 820

January 19, 2024 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 820: Outcasts and Gentiles-Jeremiah’s Universal Vision and Jesus’ Ministry

Today’s episode begins with a first person monologue from Jeremiah/ We then transition to exploring Jeremiah's vision for the nations, and Jesus' outreach to...

Listen