Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the first day of the Lent season, observed several weeks before Good Friday. Those who attend Ash Wednesday services typically apply ashes (or will have ashes applied) to their foreheads. The priest or pastor marks the forehead of each worshiper, often saying, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
Ashes in the Bible are viewed as a symbol of humility and associated with repentance from sin. To demonstrate that they had repented from their sins, people put on burlap or sackcloth and sat in ashes or placed ashes on themselves (Esther 4:3; Job 42:6; Matthew 11:21). So, wearing burlap and ashes are ways to express sorrow and mourning.
The prophet Isaiah, however, warned that merely performing an outward show of religious rituals doesn’t please God. “They act so pious! They come to the temple every day . . . pretending they want to be near Me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance . . . . Do you really think this will please the Lord?” (Isaiah 58:2,5). God looks at the heart—and their hearts were far from Him (Isaiah 29:13).
Isaiah called God’s people to please Him by doing what’s right: Act justly and treat workers fairly (Isaiah 58:3,6,9), stop fighting and quarrelling among themselves (Isaiah 58:4), help those burdened or imprisoned by life’s circumstances and poverty (Isaiah 58:6), and be generous to those in need (Isaiah 58:7,10).
Simply observing external rituals will not please God if the heart does not seek to obey Him. God lamented to His prophet: “My people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. . . . They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it!” (Ezekiel 33:31-32).
God wants your heart, not a show.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 7:1-25
More:
Read Micah 6:8 to understand what God requires of His people.
Next:
How do you “prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins”? (Matthew 3:8). In what ways have you been acting pious externally, but not truly seeking God in your heart?
GChoo on March 9, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Yes it is so true. The subject of today’s fasting was brought up by some of my work colleagues durig our lunch break. To one who said they fast for 2 reasons, the ritual and keep fit. But actually the latter is the main reason for her to fast. I am sure she is not the only one.
I think it is so true that we often forget our intention to fast as Christian when our hearts are far away from God. Thanks for reminding us to search our hearts.
daisymarygoldr on March 9, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Very true! It is a matter of the heart. Whether it is fasting or performing religious rituals, anything that is done to impress myself or others will not please God. Usually, I put on an outward show because it pleases my self-ego to receive the praises of people. The people in Isaiah’s time were fasting to please themselves.
For Christians today, a mere external show of religion, piety, holiness, being outwardly good, kind and moral before men is to have a form of godliness. Performing religious acts of going to church, praying, reading the Bible, serving the poor, or the stewardship of natural resources may impress people but certainly will not please God.
These works of religious piety are not bad. It means that an external practise of religious activities without an inward right relationship with God is useless. A right relationship is to have a broken heart and walk humbly with God. When we are humble we will not draw the attention of others to our acts of justice and mercy. God who sees the secret motives of hearts will surely reward us openly.
Personally, I don’t observe Ash Wednesday. But if it has to do with mourning, then God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This is not referring to mourning for life’s tragedies like health problems, financial difficulties, family troubles or death of loved ones. Jesus is saying that those who mourn for their sins will receive the comfort of God. Because when we repent, we are blessed with salvation.
And to all who mourn genuinely, God “will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning.” Isa 61:3
tom felten on March 9, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I’m reminded of a verse I need to continually take to heart: “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than [offerings]” (1 Samuel 15:22). All my “good” deeds are worthless in God’s sight if I’m not following Him in obedience.
daisymarygoldr on March 9, 2011 at 2:23 pm
riri, you are in my prayers and I need your prayers too.