Wow, talk about a punishment for disobedience! For those of us who have so much to do, sometimes it's hard to rest, even for one day. And, when we do, we find ourselves feeling guilty because we're not doing something. God even rested on the seventh day after He had created everything. If God needed to rest, how much more do we need to do the same.
Several years ago, John and I went on a trip to the Holy Land. Friday evening at sundown begins the Jewish Sabbath day of rest, continuing through until Saturday evening. They actually observe it more seriously than we do. At the hotel restaurant, we ate cold foods, such as salad or sandwiches, on that day since there was no cooking allowed on the Sabbath. There was an elevator programmed to stop on every floor so they wouldn't have to even push a button. Talk about commitment!
I recently read this devotion by Max Lucado, entitled "A Quiet Day of Rest":
"Ever feel the wheels of your life racing faster and faster as you speed past people you love? Could you use a reminder on how to slow it all down? If so, read what Jesus did during the last Sabbath of his life.
Start in the Gospel of Matthew. Didn't find anything? Try Mark. Read what Mark recorded about the way Jesus spent the Sabbath. Nothing there either? Strange. What about Luke? What does Luke say? Not a reference to the day? Not a word about it? Well, try John. Surely John mentions the Sabbath. He doesn't? No reference? Hmmmm. Looks like Jesus was quiet that day.
'Wait a minute. That's it?' That's it. 'You mean with one week left to live, Jesus observed the Sabbath?' As far as we can tell. 'You mean with all those apostles to train and people to teach, He took a day to rest and worship?' Apparently so."
God, teach us how to slow down, take a day of rest and worship you!
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