Lent 2 March 4 2007

Luke 13:31 - 35

Towards a focussed life

During the season of Lent we as Christians have a tradition of adopting a Lenten discipline, something extra that we do to focus our thoughts, to help us concentrate on our journey of faith. Sometimes people give something up, the idea being that every time they choose not to have or do that something, the person will reflect upon an aspect of his or her journey with God.

But there is giving up …. and there is giving up!

When the question of giving something up arises there is always the temptation to pick the easy option - like something you don't do very often - sky diving, white water rafting that sort of thing. Initially I decided that I would give up muesli for Lent, but then I thought about it and the only time that I eat muesli is when there is no other cereal left in the country to eat - so it would probably be too easy. So instead I have chosen to do without alcohol for Lent. Now those of you who know me will understand that this, for me, is a major commitment.

I also think that as well as giving something up we should also take something on - we should choose to add something to our lives - an additional form of daily devotion - reading scripture, daily journaling, reading from the great spiritual writers, increased prayer time, attend a Lent course - anything that will help us in our journey of faith.

This additional discipline should be something that we have not devoted much time or energy to over the past year. And I would recommend that the disciplines we do adopt during Lent should become disciplines we keep throughout the rest of the year. Doing this we ensure that our spiritual life will grow year on year.

Part of the value of the Lenten practice of giving something up is that it gives us a focus. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing the everyday things of life that we forget who we are and whose we are - We belong to God. - Through and through. This season of Lent gives us a reminder to turn again, to rely upon God's grace and comfort, God's care and God's refusal to give up on us.

Now, Jesus has told the disciples that he is to die soon.

This is not what they want to hear.

They want things to be as they have been for awhile. But Jesus has told them of what is to come and has set his face toward Jerusalem. He doesn't focus so much that he misses the needs of the people to whom he came to show love, but he knows where he is going…… That is the discipline. He will not waiver from his chosen path - As He says in this evenings Gospel reading…"I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal".

Can we learn from Jesus? Can we learn to have that kind of focus? A focus in which the things of the world do not deter us from moving toward our goal?

As some of you may know, I have recently taken up a new pastime - that of potholing. But it's not the potholing that I want to dwell on today but the people that do it - yes I agree we are all slightly mad but that's not it. The thing is, it is interesting to note, whilst waiting for everybody to get ready, the difference in people's approach to the days activities. It's like any sport, you can spot who the serious people are. They have all the right gear, they are relaxed and they seem to have a clear routine that has been developed over time to prepare for days such as these. They greet each other as old friends and are clearly not worried about what lies ahead. Some are focused. Others are clearly there for an interesting day out - and possibly the thought of one of Bernie';s cooked breakfasts! Those who are focused, are very focused. You can see it in the way they move and talk. They have a purpose and are not be moved from their purpose.

So, how do we claim that devotion to purpose for our own lives, and make the purpose one that builds up the world, gives glory to God?

Jesus did it.

Abraham had that kind of purpose, that ability to focus. Moses had it. David had it. Ruth had it. Mary, Paul, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr. They all had it!! …. The list goes on and on. Mind you each of the people I mentioned here had times when they fell short of their goals, just like you and I do, where they did not bring glory to God, but in the long run, they were driven by the focus they had on their goal.

But remember …. God does not just call extraordinary people to this kind of purpose and focus. He calls you and me.

God calls each of us to a life of faith and devotion. To obedience, to purpose.

So - how will you answer the call?

Will you focus on your own wants and needs

Will you become like those who are lost in the world of greed and material wealth?

Will you become like the great community builders of our time, bridging the divide between so many in our world?

Will you respond to God and focus on your journey of faith?

Jesus teaches us about focus

He knows exactly where he is going.

And He knows the journey will not be easy.

By the way does anybody remember the radio series - which became a TV series then a not very good film - The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy? Well whenever I think of my -our - journey with Christ I am reminded of an aspect of this series. The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy is an electronic book- something like an interstellar version of A Rough Guide to Europe - on the cover of which, in large letters, are the words 'Don't Panic'……… I always maintain that the Bible should have the words 'No One Said That This Would Be Easy, written in large letters on the front cover.

Anyway as I said Jesus tells us that our journey will not be easy. But He invites us to join him anyway. The journey we embark upon with him will require our sacrifice. It will make us unpopular with some of our friends and family. But it will be incredibly fulfilling.

And, it will change our lives.

It will take time and patience and devotion. It will take second chances and third chances, or even more, to complete. Yet it is one that we do not take alone. It is one that will reward us in ways we cannot imagine.

So it is important that we observe the custom of a Lenten discipline - it helps us to focus our minds and our lives and hopefully strengthen our faith and resolve as we travel with Jesus on our journey of faith.

In a little while we take another step along that journey, an opportunity to refocus ourselves and our priorities as we join together around the Lord's Table. We share the meal he has prepared for us. We join with saints of every time and place. We can learn from them. We can be challenged by them. Let us make this Lenten journey together and let it have a single purpose.

To bring us closer to God.
Amen.