I’m still thinking about a Sabbath rest, wondering what it means for us today, how we can implement it in our lives.
As I was writing my post Monday, the thought crossed my mind that the way I spent this past Sunday seemed pretty self-indulgent. The words, “The Sabbath is not supposed to be about me” had barely formed in my mind, when I thought of Jesus telling the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Was Sabbath really made for me? Yes. Sabbath is not a burden God has given; it’s a blessing. But at the same time, is Jesus the Lord of my Sabbath? And how can these two things both be true?
The answer may lie in the phrase that ran through my head yesterday as I was reading many of your comments: “Be still and know that I am God.” That Sabbath was made for me because Jesus is the Lord of it.
My greatest need out of the busyness of my life must surely be a minute to stop and remember God. Perhaps this is all Sabbath is really meant to do.
Ted — I once heard “be still” translated as “cease striving.” I’ve been thinking of those words since reading your comment. I think our words and actions both can be evidence of continuing to strive apart from God, at times.
Charity, It is so funny that I have equated “Be still”, i.e., still, with being silent. When really it’s speaking more of rest in faith, in context.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2046:10;&version=72;65;46;47;77;
Though certainly including, as part of entering into that stillness, or rest, becoming silent ourselves.
Thanks.
Craver — I think I’m tracking with you on the faith issue here. When we stop for a time each week we are trusting the Lord to take care of all the things we are saying “no” to. Am I restating it accurately? I think this is a great big issue in my Sabbath observances. I often don’t trust the Lord to be in control — I need just a few more hours to get everything done on my agenda.
Ted — I certainly need to incorporate more silence into my Sabbath observances (not just resting from activity, but also the noise of life). Silence is probably as countercultural and rest in our time.
Charity, Yes. To learn to be still. I listen to alot less music than what I used to listen to. I love music. And less of NPR (though I still am a regular with that). I think in so doing I am more open and sensitive to “hear” God’s voice in ways I may not be able to share, but in ways that impact me. But “Be still, and know that I am God.” Great thought towards good sabbaticals. (hahha. Don’t we wish)
Could it be that there is a faith element here as well?
I’m just speculating, but what I mean is that part of the formula is to regularly pause from our frenetic striving, and practice trust in God’s timing and be content with His provision. In that way, observing the sabbath excercises the faith muscle.
BTW, we try not to shop or even do restaurants on Sunday, ’cause it makes other people work.
The sabbath is a great idea to explore. Thanks for bringing it up!
Margaret — Thanks for bringing in the original command to observe the Sabbath. I think you’re right that there’s an inherent link between creating and resting.
Oddly enough, in the Deuteronomy account of the fourth commandment, the creation isn’t mentioned at all. Instead, the Lord links the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt with a Sabbath observance. He tells them to remember that the Lord brought them out of Egypt with “a mighty hand” and “an outstretched arm,” and to observe the Sabbath.
Apparently He knew they would need one day each week away from all the distractions of life to really reflect on the salvation of the Lord sufficiently.
Laura — Amen. In an important way, our need for sleep each day gives us this same reminder. While the Lord neither sleeps nor slumbers, I am forced to admit my mortality every night and go to bed.
To remember God, surely, and to remember that we are not… God…
I was reading on sabbath this morning and reminded that scripturally sabbath (the fourth commandment) was directly connected to God creating the world in six days…then resting. It was a healthy reminder to me, a creative type, that the well must rest inorder to run as God-designed.