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

January 03, 2024 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 809A: Christmas Perspectives (The Wise Men and Herod, Part 1)

Herod's story, shaped by ambition and political intrigue, began with his father Antipater's manipulations. His climb to power involved a complex web of alliances...

Listen

Episode 47

March 16, 2021 00:10:26
Episode Cover

Episode 97: Important Events from 2 Samuel

There are many important events throughout the book of 2 Samuel. In today’s top ten list, we spend some time learning about some of...

Listen

Episode 712

August 15, 2023 00:10:00
Episode Cover

Episode 712: The Life and Lessons of Job – The Wealth of Integrity

Job had 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. He had a large family, sizable real estate holdings, a...

Listen