I love to do things. In fact, if I am not doing something, accomplishing something, fixing something, I get very restless. It makes me feel anxious and irritable. When I'm not doing something I often feel a burden of all the things I should be doing. Needless to say, I find resting a difficulty. As I was reading the scripture this morning, I came to the ten commandments. As someone who grew up in the Christian faith, I have read this passage (Exodus 20) dozens of times. So, like anything you've read before, I began skimming, all the while thinking, I know all this. About half way through chapter 20 I had this feeling that I needed to stop and start over. I mean, what is the point of spending time in scripture if you don't actually read the scripture, think about it, pray about it. So I began the chapter again. Commandment 1...You can't have any other gods. Commandment 2...Do not worship idols. Commandment 3...Don't take the Lord's name in vain. Commandment 4...
Remember the Sabbath day
Somehow most of us (including this guy) simply skip over this one, taking it more as a suggestion than a commandment. A few months ago, Ashley read a book on Sabbath rest, and came to me suggesting that we start intentionally honoring the Sabbath each week. She shared with me some of the thoughts she had gotten from her reading, and I agreed to do it with her. Admittedly, while I agreed with doing this in my head, my heart hasn't really been in it.
Remember the Sabbath day
I confess that throughout our weeks of keeping the sabbath this summer/fall, I have often found excuses to do work of many kinds. We have designated Sundays as our weekly Sabbath, and yet I find myself actively filling my time with all sorts of work. Work on house projects (excuse: I'll feel mentally rested by checking something off my list). Work on catching up with emails (excuse: they aren't really work emails, so it doesn't count). Work on running errands (excuse: I'm with the kids so this isn't really work). Work on working out (excuse: I'm honoring God by taking care of my body). Who am I kidding?
Remember the Sabbath day
As I read through Exodus 20 this morning, I was reminded that the commandments are not for God's sake, but for ours. As with all direction in scripture, the commandments sit as lines in the sand for us, for our best. I prescribe all sorts of do's and don'ts for my kids for their good. Don't hang over the railing...you could fall and land on your head. Do eat your veggies...they will make you strong like daddy. The list goes on and on. God did this for us as well.
Remember the Sabbath day
It has taken a while (31 years(ish)), but I am starting to recognize this for the good command that it is. Our lives are so filled with busyness, distraction, work, and noise. When are we ever supposed to be refreshed? During my 10 days of vacation a year? I can tell you...10 days is not enough for that. When are we supposed to hear God? When are we supposed to rest our bodies from the labor of life?
Remember the Sabbath day
We are stretched to our limits. Work, play, social media, school, kids activities, mid-week Bible study. How do we keep our sanity?
Remember the Sabbath day
I do not say this as a legalist, but as someone who, maybe for the first time ever, is beginning to understand that this is for me. It is a gift. This is God's incredible graciousness to me. He, in his infinite wisdom and love, has given me a whole day not just to rest from work, but to rest in Him. This is, like the rest of his commands, a command for my good. To the Lord of heaven I say, "thank you for this wonderful command."
Remember the Sabbath day
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