'Tis the Season

This coming month (February), much of the Christian world will be celebrating Lent in preparation for Easter. I wrote an article for my Church (www.sowerschapel.org, www.sowerschapel.com) on a sermon preached at a Ministerium gathering for Lent in Freeport, PA (the nearest town to the church). I thought you might appreciate seeing it too, as it was inspired by Bill Heilman's story (Chapter 3 in "Be of Good Cheer").

See Below -

Dear Friends:

Here we are at February, and soon our hosting of the Lenten Dinner Series will begin in Freeport. As I was thinking about what to write this morning, I found a sermon that I preached for that series during my second year here (which you’ll recognize when you see the name “Bill” – referring to Bill Heilman and his family). I was struck with how much of that same talk still applies today, and so I offer it as a way of “focusing” our minds and hearts on the self examination necessary for us to be truly receptive of the Easter message. After all, any time we can be reminded of the need to focus on preparation for heaven through the choices we make in this life, it’s a testament to our believe in the Lord’s purpose for creation – that there be a heaven from the human race (DP 27).

We speak tonight about the whole purpose of Lent itself. In the beginning, it was three days of fasting signifying the three days of Jesus in the tomb before the resurrection. It was a simple reminder. Eventually, it became 40 days of fasting, mirroring not just this, but Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. And what is it now? In some respects, Lent’s become pretty commercial hasn’t it? I kid you not, but I drove by a billboard at Taco Bell the other day advertising bean burritos on sale for Lent. Is this what Jesus wants? I don’t know. I’m just asking the question. These days, we have trouble giving up a Snickers bar for Lent, don’t we? And the point is: that’s what Lent’s really all about? Or is it something deeper. Is it a time to pause and reflect on an internal level about the nature of our relationship with the Lord. About the ways in which He is leading us each day to know Him a little more and love Him a little better – if we would only open our minds and hearts to Him.
I think, friends, that this is the true message of Lent. Its about our spiritual rebirth as people. Its about our ability to see beyond the temporary wants and desires of the natural world, to let them die, for the eternity of heaven and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. And that’s what God taught me through my relationship with Bill and his family. That’s where my focus needed to be – on the life of heaven. And that’s what we can teach each other every day as followers of Him. That’s the simple truth that Martha didn’t get.
So, as we go out today to live our lives that are really just the preparation lap for eternity in the eyes of the Lord, what will we choose? Will we “be still” and listen for God’s voice in our daily decisions, or will we decide that the world’s values – social and societal convention - are what matter. Yes, by the world’s standard, Mary did the wrong thing on the surface. But we all must remember and cherish what Jesus said to Martha, and says equally to each of us:
And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 41-42)

May you, through a love of what is true and a willingness to do what is good, gain a “Mary” heart in a “Martha” world.

Your Friend, Pastor Ethan