Ash Wednesday and Lent: A History of a Tradition
The imposition of ashes, from which Ash Wednesday gets its name, begins Lent with this acknowledgment of our mortality and sin. As a pastor who has offered the option of imposition of Ashes (after the service) for a few years, I can tell you both my people and myself have found this action to be very profound. It's one thing to know it in your head. It's another to experience it on your head. It is most convicting. I'm not saying it is for everyone. I am urging all to see the evangelical roots of this practice and to respect fellow believers who find it beneficial.
But why 40 days? Jesus was tempted for 40 days. The flood started with 40 days and 40 nights of deluging water. Moses was on the mountain 40 days. Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. This number comes up in the Bible many times. I don't know of a Bible passage that explains its significance. I personally wonder (this is not a teaching, but conjecture) if the numbers in Revelation are not helpful. The number 4 is the number of the earth (it can be creation or it can be the fallen world). The number 10 is the number of completeness. So 40 is a "complete time to deal with the world." Again, that is a thought. I've never found this in any commentary or other source. But it sure fits its uses in the Bible and the purpose of the 40 days of Lent.
I pray this helps you grow to experience Lent in a fuller and richer manner through this posting.
Peace
Pastor Roger Huffman
Roger Huffman is pastor of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church King of Prussia, PA
A Physician Testifies About the Crucifixion
Latest Articles