Did Jesus get ashed on Ash Wednesday? Um. Nope. Duh…
This day in the Christian calendar has marked the beginning of the season of Lent for way over a thousand years. But, yes, it can be “observed” even if we don’t show the signs of charcoal. But, why bother? It’s pagan, right? It’s not in the Bible, right? It’s just kooky works-righteousness thing, right?
Well, here’s the thing. Let’s think about this. If something is not in the Bible does that mean it’s rendered useless and meaningless from Christian devotional practices? I doubt it. From the beginning God used known culture practices to help his people remember things in a physical/visible way that were connected with the the invisible Reality of him. Have you heard of circumcision? Of (Israelite) cleansing before temple participation? How about Baptism? Well, then you see what I mean.
Do you ever celebrate Christmas or Easter? Then, you’ve enacted what I mean.
Pagan Egypt (used for God’s purposes)
Nationally, Egyptian cultic practices were incorporated with the Israelite’s life of worship of the One True God. The Egyptian priestly practices, in particular, were employed. (Israel was a KINGDOM of priests. Quite an upgrade from slave status, right?)
God wasn’t threatened by the use of Egyptian priestly rites and rituals, the Israelites were familiar with, to help them remember and worship the Living God. On the contrary, God encouraged it. God commanded it. Similar sorts of things can help us today as well.
Still, we mustn’t ever forget–It’s not about the intricacies of the ritual itself, it’s about the condition of one’s heart. We can avoid false religion when we ask ourselves, “Does this practice draw me into relationship with the Living God?” If it does, keep it. If not, scrap it. You might want to read that again. It could be life-changing.
Just for you. A LENTEN SPIRITUAL EXERCISE:
Challenge yourself, by asking God to reveal himself to you, to minister to you, and to awaken you in a new way in the days leading to Easter. What might God want you to look at more closely? What might God wish to make more like him in your life?
This could be very personal, and private, but I encourage you to share what findings you’d like to. It will help all of us journey together through this time of Lent, toward the great joy we celebrate on Resurrection Sunday! (a.k.a. Easter)
Thank you for coming here today! Blessing this holiday season.
-Lisa
thanks, insightful post.
Honestly, I shy away from adding extra ritual into my life these days. Not only Lent, but other things that are sometimes called “spiritual disciplines” that I don’t find in the Bible as commands. It would be just another hardship to me right now, and I see hardship as a thing that falls into life naturally, without needing my help.
But I try to respect everyone’s spiritual journey. No one else’s has to look like mine. It may even look like we’re walking in opposite directions, if we’re starting from positions that are far enough apart. But if we’re both walking closer toward Jesus, don’t we both have the right goal?
Every little bit of help, helps!!! Godspeed on your journeys.
Everything in its season. Godspeed to you as well.
I think rituals are a lot like “tests” – God doesn’t need them. Just like God doesn’t need to test us to know our heart, he doesn’t need us to do the ritual. We do it so that we can see ourselves. But of course you get the folk who say “you’re doing that act to ensure you are saved!”
and super fantastic point about doing things that are outside of the Bible – well played!
“Does this practice draw me into relationship with the Living God?”
Amen sista!
not only individually – but corporately, as well.
So if we substitute the word “practices” for “rituals” does the no-ritual contingent have any practices? And if not, how DO you “sanctify yourself” unto the Lord, meaning set yourself apart? When and how are changes made in life when it is discovered that changes must be made to continue in faithful obedience? Just asking.
There was a large focus, and my Nana still holds it, that Lent is for people working for their salvation. I think that’s a shame, but understand that my Nana has her own “rituals” like the post church-Sunday nap… that way she’s not thinking about the house work she could be doing.
The heart, as you said, is important. It needs guided and guarded.
I don’t know that I am in the no-ritual contingent, but I’ll give it a shot.
I mentioned above that I’m not looking to add extra rituals. But I retain practices from the various churches and Christian groups I’ve been in that help me personally to follow Christ:
–Instead of wallowing in distrust, reach out to the person standing next to me, and let the Holy Spirit reveal and build unity
–Instead of checking my intellect at the door, bring it to church and let God redeem and use it
–Instead of “tithing my ten percent,” remember that all I have is entrusted by God for His purposes
–Instead of trusting in man-made rules and structures, have no idols before God
–Instead of picking a camp and defending it to the bitter end, trust God to speak through anyone made in His image
–Instead of judging other people’s priorities, hold onto the good
–Instead of running away from monologue, pursue dialogue
This is just my list, as I try to make growth and obedience to God a continual practice in my life.
What a helpful list. Thank you.