Isa. 58:1-12 Luke 18: 9-14             Digging a Hole for Grace to Fill        GR       Feb.25/07

1. Beth Huener in Life on the Edge of Faith provides the basis for our walk with Christ through Lent.  She’s amazed at how many times she’s heard cancer patients say that they don't have the time for chemotherapy or radiation. Actually they’re saying the same thing that most of us are when we say we don't have time for something and that is that we don't want to do it. Why might we not want to do things? One reason is fear, pure and simple. We may even be afraid of doing things when not doing them is more destructive. Or it would be easier not to make room in our lives for that extra self-discipline or gen­erosity or maturity or courage. If we ignore the cure long enough, maybe the problem will disappear.

1. Whoever said that the behavior of human beings, especially frightened human beings, made sense? The behavior of the Phari­see, or religious leader probably made sense to him. And up to a point, it can honestly be viewed as making sense, even spiritually. Let’s listen in, and see.  (Put on Pharisee cloak.  Arms raised strong and confident.) “Thank you God that I’m not like other people.  Corrupt politicians, homeless people, abusers, and mass murderers.  Or even like this tax man over there, ripping off our hard earned money.  Only the most faithful, like me, fast twice a week.  I give one-tenth of all I earn, not just crops as required by law.  I go above and beyond.  And oh my it feels good to be thankful, Holy One of Israel, Blessed Be. I’ve done so well.”  (Remove cloak)

1. Likely his prayer was in earnest.  He had a lot to be grateful for, and knew to thank God.  The tax collector had a very different prayer. Let’s listen again: (Put on different cloak.  Head down.)  “Thank you, Holy One, Blessed Be, that I made it into the temple today, with only sneers and shoving.  I wasn’t attacked and thrown out as sometimes happens.  I understand why they hate me.  I collaborate with the hated Romans.  I earn my living from their exorbitant taxes.  O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner!”  (Remove cloak)  It takes humility, doesn’t it, to admit things, even to God.

1. This hated tax collector, a known sinner, Luke says went home justified.  Justified, put back in right relationship with God.  And the religious leader was not.  But wait a minute.  That’s not fair.  We’ve already seen what a good person he is.  But if he was not justified, or put back in right relationship, then he was not in right relationship with God before.  Verse 9 from our scripture is helpful.  It was because he was exalting himself.  The parable Jesus said was told to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous.  And congratulated themselves.  And compared themselves to others.  And regarded others with contempt.

1. Like some of Jesus other parables, this is very hard for us to hear.  Likely you have heard, as I have – or maybe even said, “Well at least I’m not like….”  I’ve heard people I love dearly say, “I can’t forgive people who abuse children, or commit road rage, or blow up buses.”  And I’m right in there with them about how extraordinarily difficult it is.  But in admitting the difficulty, I feel compelled to add, “But it’s what we are called to.”  Parables like this one implore us to recognize that sin is sin.  None are exempt.  As Paul puts it so well, “We all fall short.”

1. That’s what the religious leader has failed to see.  He doesn’t think he needs anything from God, not even forgiveness.  The tax collector, in contrast, only sees his need.  As Beth Huener puts it so well, “He is eager, no, he is desperate, to plunge the spade of his prayer into his sin and dig a hole for grace to fill. He knows of his sickness and he has stripped his soul bare to receive the painful but life-renewing medicine of forgiveness.”[i]

1. That’s why we have this time of Lent.  Where we can honestly strip our souls bare before God, and ask for help to “dig a hole for grace to fill.”  This year, we decided to invite people to find the way that would be best for them – with none being better!  So we’ve come up with a partial list to choose from.  Partial, because you may well know of another discipline that will help you make that room for grace and healing and change to come.

1)      Lenten Study - Singing a Song of Faith: New Creed – 2007 study.  (We’ll also be doing a sermon series after Easter on this creed.) I have this to purchase and older Lenten studies to borrow.

2)      Lenten Action  - i) make a Thankful Book – write down 3 things each day you are grateful for.

  It could be as simple as chocolate chip cookies!

- ii) do a Random Act of Kindness – like connecting with someone each day.  Or doing any acts of kindness at work or play or home, to surprise and respect, and encourage those you care for, or perhaps don’t even know.

3)      Lenten Change and Growing - Perhaps you’re aware of a habit you want to change, or a way you want to act differently.  You likely know it only takes 21 days to change life-long habits, when we act in different ways consistently for 21 days.  Think how many times you could start over and still accomplish it in 40 days.

8) We have begun our journey into Lent.  We have been marked with ashes , a symbol of growth.  By that action and our words we have acknowledged that we want to learn and grow.  Even though change is frightening.  Even though we’d rather not.  May you know God with you, as you choose your discipline, so that in your journey with Jesus, you will be ready on Easter to greet, with humility and thankfulness, the One who fills your need with grace.