Higher on the Hillside with Radical Jesus: Lent Reflection 20
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Does Jesus give a more radical warning against Christian exhibitionism than this and the previous passages? Our practice of sacrifice during the Lent season can so easily lead us into following the hypocrites in their displays of discomfort and chest pounding. It is so tempting to seek approval and admiration for our sacrificial behaviors, marking our holiness with the looks and words of those who notice our fasting or that our knees are like the camel’s. When we seek any other notice than that of our Savior, he asks “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
Instead, lets comb our hair and wash our face this morning and let the joy of the love and acceptance of the Lord shine in us. Lets fight the temptation to display ‘our righteousness’ and allow the knowledge of our security in the ultimate sacrifice to be displayed in every moment of our day. Our reward lies with the King, not with the world. Radical, isn’t it?
LOVE | ACCEPT | FORGIVE 