Good Morning 02-06

Ash Wednesday

Old Testament Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Epistle: 2 Cor. 5:20-6:10
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Psalm: 51:1-18

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is a time for repentance, a time for each of us humbly and reverently to bow before God, confessing our sins, recognizing what we deserve from God and pleading for His mercy. It is a time to emphasize, not just outward forms of worship, but the humble spirit of worship. We come to worship in body and spirit.

If lent is to be worth while, we must place the emphasis not on externals, but on the heart. The OT lesson for today calls us to: "Rend your heart, and not your garments." God doesn't want just outward adherence to some religious ceremony. He wants heart felt worship. This is the point of the words of our text. Don't just do it for show, do it for the love of God and giving Him the glory.

Christian friends, Let your life of repentance ring true in your doing, giving, praying, fasting and evaluating.

Step by step we follow our LORD on His journey, scene by scene His passion view. Contemplate His condemnation, as we walk this way anew. Step by step we learn the story, how the LORD fulfills our needs. Way of sorrows, way of glory, faithfully our Savior leads.

PRAY - O Lamb of God, help me in this holy season to behold Thee in the shame and glory of Thy suffering. Amen.