Savior, When in Dust to Thee is one of the hymns appointed for Ash Wednesday. Given the subject of the hymn its appropriateness for the season of Lent, and Ash Wednesday in particular, is obvious. This season of Lent is a penitential season, by which we mean this is a season in which we reflect upon the depravity of our sins and our immense need for Christ. The imagery of dust and ashes helps us to realize that the consequences of our sin is death, and that just as God formed us out of the dust, so shall we return to dust when we die and are laid in the ground.
This thought is unpleasant. Ash Wednesday is uncomfortable as itchy ashes are smeared on our foreheads reminding us of this stark reality: dust thou art, unto dust thou shalt return. The tradition of ashes is helpful, as is also fasting, to bring us to terms with our own personal sinfulness. But perhaps what is most helpful is attending private confession and absolution, meditating on our own sins, vocalizing them aloud which we and the pastor can hear.
Nevertheless, our meditation in Lent is not merely self-reflective, but is ultimately Christ-centered. The hymn focuses us away from ourselves, and upon the suffering of Christ for us, by which He hears our penitential cry. “O, by all Thy pains and woe suffered once for us below, bending from Thy throne on high, hear our penitential cry!” Indeed, our Lord Jesus suffered all and was laid into the “vault whose dark abode held in vain the rising God. O, from earth to heaven restored, mighty, reascended Lord, bending from Thy throne on high, hear our penitential cry!”
Your Lord Jesus does hear your cries for mercy. The ashes upon your forehead are in the shape of the cross, reminding you that your imminent death has been utterly defeated by Christ who rose from the grave, and shall one day lead you with Him from death to life. When you confess your sins, the pastor stands in the stead and by the command of Christ to forgive all of your sins. New life is yours in Christ Jesus.
During this penitential season of Lent, spend some extra time reflecting on this glorious truth, and forsaking your sins, turn to the Lord in hope and joy.
In the name of Jesus,
Pastor Koopman