Weapons of Reconcilation (Ash Wednesday Meditation)

Dear People of Hope,

 Tonight’s text was 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10.  You may want to take time to read it now. I was going to preach on the “weapons of reconciliation”…those things listed by Paul which are necessary for our reconciliation and restoration of relationships with God and our neighbor. 

So, tonight, I, with Paul, “implore you to be reconciled to God”; and to “not receive God’s grace in vain.”  For you see, “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the time of salvation.”

Tonight take up those “weapons” in your right hand and your left hand, those weapons of “purity, understanding, patience and kindness, in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God.”

As we begin our 40 day journey to Easter morning, begin with your personal time of confession before God; imagine the ashes placed on your forehead as you hear: “Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ.”

This is a season of being honest with ourselves before God, creating space in our hearts and minds to be filled on Easter morning with the knowledge of the glorious resurrection. 

To fully appreciate the joy of Easter, allow yourselves to fully appreciate your need for and the offer of reconciliation with God. Use those “weapons” to reconcile with your enemies; make them your neighbors.