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 196

October 11, 2021 00:10:07
Episode Cover

Episode 246: Battle Ready

The Bible often illustrates the Christian life as a battle against sin and Satan. We are soldiers of Christ in spiritual warfare. In Ephesians...

Listen

Episode 532

December 06, 2022 00:10:21
Episode Cover

Episode 532: Gratitude Matters

In Isaiah 12:4-5, we read, “And on that day you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His...

Listen

Episode 783

November 22, 2023 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 783: Prince of Peace

This episode delves into the profound prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7, highlighting the promise of the Messiah as the Prince of Peace. In the midst...

Listen