Monday, February 23, 2009

February 23, 2009 - Ashes to Ashes

By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. 

Because of the original sin from Adam and Eve, we have recieved death. Ashes resulted from the burning of a body after it has died, but that is not all that it stands for. Ashes also became the symbolic spiritual death. In the Old Testament, we see mamy accounts where Isrealites would wear ashes to repent for their sins. 

Wearing ashes and recognizing that we are sinners is a big symbolic act towards God. Daniel openly proclaimed, while wearing ashes, that he did did not deserve salvation because of his righteousness but because of God's grace and overflowing mercies. This attitude leads to Lent and Ash Wednesday where we try hard for 40 days and 40 nights to get closer to God. 

I believe that I need to die again to Christ. I take for granted His mercies. Sometimes I feel sad because it is a one sided relationship and God is the one trying so hard. In my case, Ash Wednesday needs to be Ash Everyday. But I can't help but come back to the Lord everytime I screw up. I am so thankful for his mercies for they are new everyday.

Praise the Lord. 

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