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Ashes2Fire BlogIt is all about the heart
Luke 18:9-14
New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The Season of Lent is a time of fasting and praying. Fasting is a time of seperating ourselves from the things of this world, so that we can be closer to God. Fasting is also a time to identify with the sufferings of Jesus. As we see in our Gospel reading today, fasting can also lead to a proud heart. When we have a proud heart, all our concentration is on ourselves. Look what I am giving up for Lent. Look at the sacrifices that I am making. Instead the Season of Lent should be a humbling experience. It is in this season that we are reminded daily of what Jesus gave up to come to earth. It is also in this season that we are reminded daily of The Sacrifice. Our hearts should be humbled when we consider that Jesus became poor so that we might be rich. So as we begin this Season of Lent, let us make it a heart thing.
Joel 2:13, "Rend your heart and not your garments. return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."
