Portraits with Purpose

7. Ashes for Purity

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-15a, 27-28; Leviticus 19

Hymn:

"Is Your All on the Altar"

Meditation: The Old Testament instructed the use of ashes to purify the flesh. The New Covenant demonstrated the use of Christ’ s blood to purify the soul. Psalm 103:14 and 104:29 contrast human frailty in sin and God’s stability in righteousness and mercy.  Ashes for Mourning Tamar, 2 nd Samuel 13:19, after being violated. Mordechai, Esther 4:1-3, after BAD news.  Ashes for Repentance Job, 42:6, understanding self compared to God King of Nineveh, Jonah 3:6, after hearing God’s Word Daniel, 9:3, before praying to God for help  Ashes for Symbols Jesus: -Luke 10:13, A change of mind and way desired -Matthew 12:7, Desire mercy, not sacrifice -Romans 12:1, Living sacrifices, not burnt -Ephesians 5:2, Christ was our sacrifice -Philippians 2:17; 4:18, Christian sacrifice must be Christian service

I was sinking deep in sin…Love Lifted Me! All my heart to Him I give, Ever to Him I’ll Cling, In His blessed presence live, Ever His praises sing. Love so mighty and so true Merits my souls best songs; Faithful, loving service, too, To Him belongs. LOVE LIFTED ME!