To work or not to work?

When I first decided to take this journey into looking at the meaning of the Sabbath, I honestly didn’t know where to begin.  Strangely it just wasn’t a subject we did in Bible School (unless I slept through that part).  When Googling I found a Jewish website about the Sabbath and decided this would be a good source of material.  I was sceptical though as I did not want to get lost in the “letter of the law.”

In looking at this next point it does indeed speak to that concept.  Jews forbid several types of work on the Sabbath and the list is quite long, so I won’t share it here.  The list does seem to focus on manual labour, i.e. sowing, plowing, reaping etc.  In interpreting the spirit of the law, I guess that would apply to what we would classify as our jobs.

To redefine it another way, I would say that God desires to have all of our attention.  We should not partake in activities that would otherwise legally be allowed to draw our attention to everyday employment.  I suppose it is learning how to practically apply that is where the challenge lies. I suppose the question we need to ask is, “Does what I am doing now worship God or money?” 

Tough one. 

How could we forget this?

In the ancient world, leisure was reserved for the wealthy, so there was no such thing as a day of rest for workers.  By remembering and observing the Sabbath, the Jews celebrated their freedom from slavery.  By resting, we give God honour as creator of the universe.

Here’s the challenging thought…… If God rested from his work on the 7^th day, why do we see our work and labours as more important than his?   In all our consumerism we have forgotten that observing the Sabbath isn’t just a good idea, but a commandment from God.  I know what know what you’re thinking, because I’m thinking it too….. Ouch!  How could we have forgotten about this and ignored this sacred command?

Observing the Sabbath and resting will train our hearts to focus on our God as creator and if we do that then no challenge we could possibly be facing could ever be too big for God to resolve.  It helps us gain divine perspective. 

This word is as much a challenge to me as it may be to you, but I would like to encourage us all to receive God’s word of correction with joy and humility and set your mind to change some bad habits that are keeping us honouring God the way we should on the Sabbath. 

What a feast!

The Sabbath is more than just spending time in church and prayer. It is a precious day to be eagerly awaited like a bride coming to her husband. It is not simply a day of prayer but a day of spiritual enrichment, where we feed our spirits with the word of God and spend time in worship before God.

The Sabbath is not simply a day of eating, but a day of feasting more lavishly than normal (now the Jewish figure makes sense, tee hee). Isn't that such a beautiful picture, we not only get to feed our bodies in a way that will allow us to feel truly satisfied but we feed our spirits and nourish our spirit man too.

I think if we were to ask God to open our spiritual eyes, what would see would be a bunch of anorexic Christians. Let's be honest, most of us go to church out of duty or habit, we seldom make the effort to feast our spirit man in God's presence.

Why not ask God to create a desire within you for the coming Sabbath, ask him for a hunger for his word. Then prepare your heart to feast before God in worship.

Bed day

When last did you take a day out to do nothing but rest? I did that on Saturday. I felt burn out coming on and chose to do something about it.

It definitely made me stop and think about the Sabath, a day of rest instituted by God, yet ignored by most due to the hustle and bustle of our modern lifestyle.

Maybe it's time we did stop and consider this sacred day and learn more about it. I'd certainly like to take that journey.

Happy or sad

Earlier today I had the thought in mind, “I feel sad.” Today some of the details relating to my late gran’s estate were finalized, so I suppose it would be natural for sad feelings and memories to pop up. A short while later though I received an email stating that we had to nominate our “employee of the month” and after sending that through another thought popped up, “I feel happy.”

So how come our moods can change from one moment to the next without warning? That’s because our emotions are directly linked to the thoughts we are having. Happy thoughts release happy feelings and sad thoughts produce sad feelings.

So is there a way to overcome sadness? Most times I can say yes. Grief is somewhat different and can override all other emotions. For the most part though the way to control our emotions is through our thought life.

Doesn’t Revelation tell us, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony?” Absolutely! So when sad emotions hit, where possible take control of them by thinking and feeling thoughts that bring your mind back to God and his goodness.

It wouldn’t hurt to hum a little ditty that makes you smile…. Something like the “Happy Talking” song from the old movie “South Pacific” usually does it for me.

Eat what you can, can what you can't

“Eat what you can, can what you can't.” A phrase often used by my dad in response to my young self protesting, “I'm full.” This was used to encourage me to take take a few more bites and not waste food. And then, left overs were to be safely stored.

I often apply the same principle now to life when things get a bit hectic and I just don't feel like I'm going to cope with the days “to do list”. What can I handle now and what can't I? I often find in this mix that unintentionally reading the word (which I love to do dearly) just slips by for pure lack of time.

It really helps then to have access to the bible in every place possible. Hard copy, application on my cell phone and even another for my laptop. Even when you are rushed, I'd encourage you again to just find a way to fit a little scripture reading in. Even a short piece can give your soul plenty soul and spirit food to chew on for the rest of the day.

Hand in my side

Have you ever over reacted to a situation? I know I have. It's usually because whatever we are reacting too has caused some form of pain and the wounds are still fresh. Anything coming near that sensitive area of our lives may cause a fierce “get back, leave me alone” reaction.

Strange then that Jesus would walk up to his disciples, “Come, put my your hand in my side.” You might argue that Jesus wounds were healed and that he would therefore have felt no pain. That may be true but there was still a hole there and I am sure that even with the resurrection power of God flowing through his being that the memory of the pain of crucifixion would still have been fresh on his mind......and yes.... that pain he did feel.

So what was Jesus secret to overcoming the memories of pain and hurt? Those simple words he spoke on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Tough to hear and do, but a work that only God can do through you.