Anticipating a New Creation

DAILY READING

Ecclesiastes 3:20; Psalm 30:5

FIELD NOTES

Today, known as Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent as we prepare for Easter. Just as we think of Advent preparing us for Christmas, the season of Lent prepares us for Easter. Think of both as times of preparation.  

Today, we are called to remember that life itself is a gift from God. We are called to reflect on how beautiful this gift of life we have received is and how we are to one day give this up. However, this is not the end! Upon receiving ashes on our forehead during the Ash Wednesday service, we hear these words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” As we think about the somber tone the Lenten season begins with on Ash Wednesday, it concludes on Easter Sunday. Easter marks the triumphant time when our Savior Jesus Christ was raised from the dead as a foreshadowing of our own resurrection!  

As Psalm 30:5 teaches us, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Difficulties and sorrow do not last; God’s love and care for us does. We are called to reflect on this sentiment during the season of Lent. It is a season to reflect on the beautiful promise of a new creation from a loving God.  

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What does it mean that we are dust? How does this connect us to the world? How does this change the way that you live your life? 

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• With a parent or trusted adult, go outside and pick up some dirt. Read through Ecclesiastes 3:20. What does it mean that we are dust?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear Lord, prepare my heart and mind for Lent. Help me to honor the gift of life You have given me and Lord use me to do Your work on earth. Amen.

40 DAYS: A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Our Discipleship Team has put together a 40-day devotional for you to ponder and reflect during Lent. You can read the devotional here through the Daily Field Guide starting March 7.