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SabbathApril 1, 2008For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. -Exodus 20:11 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. "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." -Psalm 31:24 For more informationRev. Leigh Martin |
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