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Have you ever wanted to put the world on hold, while you took a
break? Well, you are not the first one to think that. God came
up with this idea and he called it Sabbath. Sabbath is an
intentional time away from the work that constantly fills our
lives.
In our society that praises workaholics, the concept of Sabbath
is almost laughable. As a society we have come to believe that
being busy adds value to who we are. May this devotional remind
us that contrary to popular thinking, those that spend day in
and day out working without so much as an opportunity to rest
are NOT pleasing to God. Although we might be, God is not
impressed by how much we work!
God, creator of the universe, took time to rest. Not only that,
but he commanded that we should do likewise. Sabbath is not
about being irresponsible or procrastination. Observing the
Sabbath does not make us lazy; it makes us PLEASING to God.
Sabbath is about putting things in their proper perspective.
The word “Sabbath” appears in the Bible 151 times. About
two-thirds of the references are found in the Old Testament and
the rest in the New Testament. Sabbath is an important spiritual
concept. In the Old Testament Sabbath was a mandate to be
observed. It was part of the Ten Commandments that Moses was
given from God.
In the New Testament, Jesus was often tested the meaning of the
Sabbath. Much to the dislike of the establishment of his day, he
would heal on the Sabbath. Jesus never discredited the need for
a Sabbath. He endorsed it and sought to restore it to its
intended purpose. Sabbath observance is not meant to be
legalistic; rather, it is to be regarded as holy time that
should be set apart for worship and rest. Since the Bible spends
so much time stressing the importance of Sabbath, perhaps we
should listen.
Traditionally Sabbath is observed on a Sunday or a Saturday, but
it is not the day itself that demands our attention; rather, it
is the time. If someone has to work on a Sunday, then chose
another day during the week to set apart. If you are a student,
perhaps your schedule might be better suited by setting aside
Friday at five o’clock through Saturday at five o’clock. If the
idea of taking a full day intimidates you at first, then by all
means start slow. Take baby steps. Just make an effort! Our
schedules vary and therefore our Sabbath observance can as well.
If it takes being creative with your Sabbath time, then by all
means, be creative!
I
challenge each one of us this week to carve out time to worship
and rest!
Prayer: God, teach me to not take myself too seriously. Remind
me that my worth comes from you, not what I do. May I learn to
rest in you all my days. Amen.
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Leigh S. Martin
Reinhardt College Chaplain
"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait
for the Lord." -Psalm 31:24
