Ash Wednesday
Follow Me - John 1:43-51
Purpose
Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence from meat and repentance contemplating one’s transgressions. The first council of Nicaea in AD 325 brought this tradition.
On Ash Wednesday the Ashes made out of the Palm leaves taken in the previous year Palm Sunday is being used and marked a cross sign on the foreheads of the believers with this word, "Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return." It was proclaimed by Pope Gregory I (AD.540). Then it was changed with the words, “Repent and Believe in the Gospel” by the Roman Catholic church in 1969.
2007 many major denominations took the ashes to the market places and used them as means of evangelism, ‘Go Program’. Clergy carries the Ashes and calls people for repentance, those who respond will be marked with ashes. Biblical aspects of ashes are recorded in 2 Samuel 13:19, Job 42:3-6, Jeremiah 6:26, Daniel 9:3. Numbers19:9, Jonah 3:6, Esther 4:1.
Moses fasted forty days and nights for the sins of Israel (Exodus 34:27-28). Jesus fasted forty days and nights in the wilderness (Mathew.4:1-11, Mark.1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13). Neither Jesus nor the new testament saints used Ashes during fasting and prayer because the new covenant calls us to cleanse out conscience than the bodily hurts (Hebrews 9:13-14, Romans 2:15).
The purpose of our lent observation is to keep our conscience clear before God and man (Acts 24:16).
Follow Me:
Discipleship is not forced one but voluntary act. It’s not a command but an open call. Gospels are having many call narratives. Jesus calls Andrew, Philip, John and all other apostles. Jesus called each of his disciples at various occasions. Some were called while they were mending their fishing nets. Some were called when they were busy with their government jobs (Mathew 9:9). Some were called when they were jobless (Mark 1:16-20).
Stories after stories we see in the Bible how God called many of the prophets, judges, kings and apostles. God’s call is recorded in several epistles, such as Romans 8:30; Ephesians 4:4; Romans 11:29 God’s call and gifts are irrevocable.
Jesus laid the precondition for discipleship was to leave everything (Luke 14:33). Levi left everything (Luke 5:28). Peter asked a question to Jesus in Mathew 19:26 ‘we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?’
Those who struggled to leave everything were denied to follow him. Ex., a rich young man, rich fool.
The benefits of following Jesus Christ:
Peace
Placed in a Higher responsibility and
Entering and Inheriting the KOG.
1. “Follow Jesus” to be a peaceful person
The calling of God leads to having peace with God (Colossians 3:15). Peace with God only through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Our transgressions and iniquities brought the wrath of God upon Jesus (Isaiah 53:5). Paul preached the good news of Peace (Acts 10:36). The bible verses are fresh every day, the reading of those verses makes us understand that “Come to me all who are thirsty and hunger” (Isaiah 55:1), “come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, I will give you rest” (Mathew 11:28).
Job 22:21 Submit to God and be at peace with HIM, in this way prosperity will come to you.
Though Jesus was without a place to stay, a bed to rest or a man without home or permanent residence. But he never expected his followers to become like him in all aspects. His promise surprises us that his followers would be blessed hundredfold in this age and in the age to come, eternal life (Mathew 19:29, Luke 18:30).
Abraham had enormous wealth, sheep, cattle, silver, gold and servants (Genesis 13:6, 24:35). Isaac had hundredfold blessings (Genesis 26:12). Jacob had huge properties (Genesis 33:11). God gave Canaan to Israelites.
2. “Follow Jesus” to be a witness
The precondition for a witness is to be with Christ (John 15:27). Acts 1:8 calls us to be a witness for Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 43:10 says ‘you are my witnesses’. Witness about the full new life in Christ (Acts 5:20). You will be witness to all men (Acts 22:15).
1 Thessalonians 4:7 and 2 Timothy 1:9 reveals that we are called to live a holy life. Galatians 5:13 says that we are called to serve one another.
3. “Follow Jesus” to inherit the Kingdom of God
Philippians 3:14 says that we are called to win the prize; 2 Thessalonians 2:14 says that we are called to share the glory of Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Timothy 6:12 says that we are called to eternal life. 2 Peter 1:10 make you're calling sure and wait for the welcome to the eternal kingdom. Gain Christ is important (Philippians 3:8).
Jesus promised the Kingdom of God to those who follow the footsteps of Jesus. (Read) 1 Peter 2:19-24 says that we follow in his steps.
He walked to the Jordan to be baptised, he walked to the wilderness to be tempted, he walked to the sea of Galilee to make disciples, he walked to the Bethesda to heal the sick man, he walked to the temple to worship and read the word of God, ascertain his calling and proclaim his mission, he walked to Samaria to bring the outcasts, he walked to Jerusalem to cleanse the temple and, he walked to Golgotha to give his life on the CROSS as ransom for many.
The footsteps of Jesus lead to resurrection and glory but preconditioned by suffering and CROSS.
Hygiene Hypotheses: According to this certain allergic reaction may simply be the result of the lack of exposure of individuals to germs during childhood. It is believed that exposure to microorganisms during childhood can help in the sufficient development of the body’s immune system and also in establishing a beneficial symbiotic relationship with microbes. David Strachan, a British epidemiologist, proposed that children growing up in small families with better amenities may actually be more susceptible to various allergies due to insufficient exposure to germs (Source: ‘The Hindu’ News Paper dated 04.03.19).
Our sufferings make us strong to resist evil and satanic forces.
Application:
What is your plan for forty days?
• You want to have an extended time of prayer in your personal and family life.
• Reading the word of God intensively and interestingly.
• You want to reach at least a person for Christ.
• You want to take efforts to leave certain habits which are disturbing your spiritual life and growth.
Repentance of one person brings greater joy in heaven among angels. Your decision is going to bring joy to the people around you. Repentance is not only good for you but for the people around you.
Repentance is going to exalt you, change you and take you to the highest realm of your life. You will be seated on the right hand of the Father (Philippians 2:9). Follow Jesus to have better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35). Amen.
(For contact: revandrew@rediffmail.com Mobile: 91 9443586008 India)
