Beauty for ashes

Ash Wednesday service was an experience I will not soon forget. Pastor distributed ashes. It was moving, something I have never experienced before. In that moment you are confronted by a truth, one that we don't like to hear. We are mortal. We are going to die. Our bodies will return to dust. That is a sobering thought. But know, friends, that no matter how advanced medicine becomes, no matter how much you work out or how well you maintain yourself, you are going to die. You will be buried in the ground and your body will return to dust.


Apart from faith I would be quite upset at that notion. Apart from belief in the unfailing grace of a God who would suffer and die for me I might get down and depressed. Apart from knowing Jesus I might shed a tear at that notion. But friends, the Lord of all the earth did send His son to suffer and die for us... and through him he offers us an amazing deal. Our pain can turn to joy... Our despair may turn to hope. And the promise of death and dust can be transformed into a new beautiful future.

To all who mourn in Zion, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.

-Isaiah 61:3

Know friends that Jesus is the transforming elixir that can change beauty for ashes.

Beauty For Ashes
Shane and Shane

Beauty for ashes
A garment of praise for my heaviness
Beauty for ashes
Take this heart of stone and make it Yours, Yours

I delight myself in the Richest of Fair
Trading all that I've had for all that is better
A garment of praise for my heaviness
You are the greatest taste
You're the richest of fair

This Lenten season I fall down at the feet of He who gave for me an ultimate price. I yield myself to Him and I strive to ever taste the beauty that is the Living Word.