February 13, 2013

We’re Estranged from God Matthew 6:16-21 16 "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. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 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.

We’re Estranged from God Introduction Armed robbery of a French Priest… Giving up “something” for Lent: Chocolate or beer or some other vice; Giving up taxes for Lent; Stephen Colbert; “I gave up smoking for Lent”

We’re Estranged from God Originally, the idea of giving up something for Lent was so people could share in the sufferings of Jesus. If Jesus gave up His life for us, so we ought to give up something for Him. This practice has NOT worked very well. Marti Gratis celebration in New Orleans is set around giving up butter, lard and fat; Shrove Tuesday; This would make people constipated so they could suffer with Christ; Rest of the Story

We’re Estranged from God A more serious Christian response to Lent was that of fasting. John Maxwell’s book “Partners in Prayer” John and Charles Wesley; Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Jonathan Edwards, Matthew Henry, Charles Finney, Andrew Murray and many others; But even a good thing like fasting can be abused;

Jesus says in our text… 16 "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. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 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.

We’re Estranged from God Jesus was not saying, “Do not fast.” Jesus said, “When you fast…” But not if it is just an “outward show” of your Christianity. The words of Saint John Chrysostom: “Do you fast?” he asked. “Give me proof of it by your works.” “For what good is it to abstain from food, only to bite and chew up our brothers?’

We’re Estranged from God The central purpose of Lent is to bring us back to God. Saint Paul writes, “We implore you in Christ, to be reconciled to God…” The point of Ash Wednesday and all of Lent is that we are reconciled with God; We are here tonight recognizing our need to come back to God;

We’re Estranged from God Needing to be reconciled to God means we recognize how estranged we are from God. As good as we try to be, no one’s perfect; We are like snow flakes: But does that snow look like when it melts? Ash Wednesday helps us deal with those tiny particles of dirt that keep us from reflecting Christ’s image. Sin We are full of Sin!

Reconciled with God

Reconciled with God AND Others When we are reconciled to God we also become reconciled to each other. Anthony Robinson’s book “What’s Theology Got to Do with It?” Palestinian Minister Elias Chacour – He was tired of offering Holy Communion. Why? Because his members hated each other so; No Communion until his people confessed their sins, offered forgiveness and made peace; When the Lord’s Supper was celebrated, everyone recognized they were Members of Christ’s Body.

Reconciled with God AND Others How will you approach the Lord’s Table? Loving Jesus means loving those I commune with and live with on a daily basis; Our world hungers for Authentic Christianity: In our family living; In our dealings in this world; Be reconciled to God; Be reconciled with people; All through Jesus Christ. That’s “fasting by your works.”