3 Letters on Ash Wednesday

A prophet gives us focus for the day of ashes. “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart . . . ."  (Joel 2:12).  

Lent is a season for turning and returning.  We've been going the wrong way.  We must orient ourselves anew.  The Bible calls this repentance - a turn of the heart.

Joel offers us a word - three letters - that make repentance appealing.  

"Yet." 

After all you've done.
Even though you deserve what you have coming.
Even though you got yourself into this mess.  
Even after what you did last night.  
Even after all the lies, gossip, and anger.  

"Yet even now" . . . 

God makes a way.
God doesn't give up on you.
God wants you back.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that "dust you are and to dust you shall return."  And "yet," the man Jesus Christ has come to call us from dust to live and breath again.