Ash is the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means. The liturgical use of ashes originated in the Old Testament times, where ashes symbolized mourning and mortality. Job put on ashes as a sign of mourning, during his years of affliction. Likewise, Mordecai put on ashes for the planned annihilation of the Jewish nation.
In science, the transformation caused by the combustion of any material is usually irreversible. In the process, the ash which is the new product formed cannot produce the original material. The horrible experience of many people in life has shattered them to the extent that they are giving up. Ashes have settled on the marriage, finances, health, business, academic, etc., of so many people. If you are in this category, I have a good news for you today; God is coming through for you in Jesus name. The word of God, through Prophet Isaiah’s prophecy says: *“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that they might be glorified”* (Isaiah 61:3). To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion … Beloved, are you unhappy about any situation or circumstance surrounding your life? I announce to you, that you have an appointment with God. The Lord is meeting with you today, because Zion is not a place of mourning or sadness! Regardless of your situation, God is transforming your life and changing your status. He is beautifying and decorating your life, and everybody shall glorify your God in the name of Jesus. Job was battered on every side, but when God gave beauty for his ashes, his latter end was better than the former. In addition to giving you beauty for ashes, God is giving you oil of joy for mourning. This means that God is anointing you with joy unspeakable, instead of being sorrowful. Spiritually, oil carries power and grace; God is empowering you with the oil of joy over every sadness. Lastly, God is changing your wardrobe as He changes your spirit of heaviness with garment of praise. In other words, He is giving you a new song to sing everyday of your life. You will not be singing the same old song, neither will you be telling the same old tales of your life.
To experience and enjoy beauty for ashes, you must first be a child of God who lives a holy and righteous life. You must be committed to serving God faithfully, and be prayerful. God bless you.
