“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites,
for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.” Matt. 6:16
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Rev. 19:7
Lord Jesus, we’re early in the season of Lent—the first of six Sundays. For the next several weeks we have the privilege of fixing our gaze on you—the Author and Perfecter, Savior and Substance, Heartbeat and Hope of our faith. For your glory and our growth, overwhelm us with much grace and fresh wonder.
Don’t let this be a typical Lenten season. Saturate and empower it with the Gospel. It’s all about you, Jesus. It is all about your finished work—not our failures, strivings, and promises.
Whatever fasting we may choose to practice, may it be as a betrothed Bride, not as “gloomy hypocrites.” Our deepest repentance is always born out of seeing more of your beauty, more of the Gospel, more of you. May we continue in Lent anticipating our wedding, not our funeral. The invitations have been sent out and the date has been secured. Hallelujah.
Indeed, as we anticipate Easter, may we live as though we were just six weeks from our wedding day—preparing ourselves for a day of great joy. Jesus, we would love for you to return this Easter. That would be very awesome!
Intensify our hunger and fuel our hope. Break us that you might beautify us. Increase our love for holiness as you supersize our love for your glory. Free us from our idols, as you reveal their emptiness and silliness.
May the elements of Lord’s Supper increasingly seem like the appetizer of the Wedding feast of the Lamb to us (Rev. 19:7). So very Amen we pray, in your exalted and near name.