I want to bring your attention to this thing called “Attention.” In a recent Time Magazine article, James Poniewozik pointed out how people have unfortunately become victims of the attention they garner – referring to the recent White House crashers. Poniewozik writes that “attention is ultimately like gravity: a force that you cannot command to cease. Fight it, and it will plow you under. Ride it, like a downhill skier and you may still crash. But you’ll make a very photogenic wreck” one that is splashed across the media.
So how did Jesus handle attention? This is one of the aspects of his ministry that I find very intriguing. He never appeared to draw on any kind of personal benefit from the attention his ministry attracted. How often did he heal people and ask them to not say anything about it? More directly, Jesus wasn’t hesitant in addressing those who seemed to relish in the attention of others. In Matthew 23:5-7 (niv), Jesus corrects the Pharisees by pointing out…
“Everything they do is done for men to see…”
“they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats…”
“they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.”
Let’s face it – it’s clear their motive was the approval of men and not the approval of God. On the contrary, Jesus said to his Father in John 17:4 “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” nlt
I find it ironic that the one person who had the right to our attention never pointed people to himself. The Bible tells us that before Jesus came on the scene – John the Baptist pointed others to him (Matthew 3:11), and after he ascended to the Father – the Holy Spirit did and does today (John 16:14). He never sought attention himself. Jesus set an example for us to follow, that we too should work and live simply for the glory of God. I love that this is the theme for our 21 days of prayer and fasting – that God will be glorified in increasing ways in and through our lives. It is my prayer – may it be yours also.
David
P.S. For more information on fasting visit www.awake21.org