Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Jeremiah 18:18-20 | Psalm 31 | Matthew 20:17-28
SCRUTINIZING SELF-AHOLICS
“The mother of Zebedee’s sons came up to Him accompanied by
her sons, to do Him homage and ask of Him a favor.” - Matthew 20:20
As we enter more deeply into Lent, Jesus asks us: “What is
it you want?” (Matthew 20:21) The desires of our hearts may be like those of
the mother of Zebedee’s sons (Matthew 20:21). We may be thinking more about
ourselves than God. So, Jesus tries to break the spell of self. He asks another
question: “Can you drink the cup I am to drink?” (Matthew 20:22) Jesus wants to
change us from being self-seeking sinners to cross-carrying Christians.
Lent is a good time for us to ask the Lord to scrutinize our
hearts, motives, desires, and lives. Traditionally, it’s a time when people are
preparing to become members of the Church. When, at the service of reception we
ask them if they have repented of their sins, our question should be serious;
and we should be serious in our own hearts. May God’s word penetrate our inmost
being, separate the good from the bad, judge the thoughts and reflections of
our hearts, and purify us (Hebrews 4:12).
When Jesus asks us “What is it you want?” may we not be
fixated on ourselves but focused on Him. May we want to give more than receive
(Acts 20:35) and to serve more than be served (Matthew 20:28). May we want the
cross more than pleasure and Jesus more than heaven. May we want what He wants.
Prayer: Father, give me the desires of Your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment