THURSDAY, March 17

Hebrews 4:1-10. A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God.

It’s hard-working people who get things done, and much of what they do (not everything, of course) makes life better for us all. We’d hate it if everyone were cool and laid back all the time. Work is godly. Too much work, however, is not godly, and living in an activist, frenetic, task-driven, work-oriented culture can destroy your soul.

Rest is also godly—God rested on the seventh day after Creation, as this chapter reminds us. The faithful, the obedient, enter into God’s sabbath rest. Sabbath is not merely time away from work, an opportunity to catch up on household chores, run errands, pull weeds, and transport the children from place to place. Sabbath is a time for doing nothing. Taking time off from doing things refreshes the soul. We are like a field that needs to lie fallow now and then (and apparently, God is like that, too). When someone asks you what you did today, do not be embarrassed to say, “I did nothing. I sat still, napped, looked out the window, and marveled at the goodness of God.” Times like that keep us focused, alert, and attuned to God. Keep a sabbath time, and do it regularly. It’s a part of godly living.

PRAY for the Diocese of Mississippi (Province IV, USA)

Ps 50 * [59, 60] or 19, 46; Deuteronomy 9:23—10:5; John 3:16-21

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

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Cynthia

Mar 17, 2011 at 9:08 am

Written by Cynthia Gilliam,

Sunday worship is my restorative. Embraces from lifelong friends. Meditation on the lessons of the day. Beautiful music. Prayerful centeredness sitting with my family. The Eucharist. The Peace. All of these restore my soul and strengthen me for the week ahead.

...

Mar 17, 2011 at 10:33 am

Written by Sandi Wearne,

I really enjoyed today's reading.

...

Mar 17, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Written by Andrea,

Every time I'm tempted to say I'm too busy to take a sabbath day, I remind myself, God made the entire universe and God still found time for rest. I bet I can, too!

Sabbath

Mar 17, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Written by cherie,

In this age of "pushing the envelope" (outperformining aggressive goals, breaking yesterdays's records, ever-increasing productivity w/less material/labor, all the while giving lip service to excellence in customer expectations)leaves little time for the God-given rest of which Jesus even took advantage. Most employers smirk at the thought. But then today sadly very few employers care about God's work. Their hearts' delight comes in the form of unprecedented profits, at any expense to the workforce or mother earth. They have their reward, now. But what about in eternity? The "first shall be last" and, thanks be to God, the "last shall be first". Would love to hear about an example of a big business following Jesus's example: Come to us all who are weary and overburdened, we will give you honest work with dignity and respect for you and your soul.

Sabbath Rest

Mar 17, 2011 at 12:58 pm

Written by H,

If God took a sabbath rest on the seventh day and if Jesus took sabbath rests, then who am I as one without Their power to expect to run without sabbath rest? Furthermore, it seems to me that since God neither slumbers nor sleeps that perhaps I need to make sure I am not causing undue work for Him by keeping Him so busy 24/7/365/mylifeonearth. I know He watches over me and I count on it. Perhaps keeping a regular sabbath rest would be part of my worship of Him beyond church worship times. It could be just one more way to show that I really care and appreciate Him.

Ha ha ha

Mar 17, 2011 at 2:43 pm

Written by MoPea,

I need to show this meditation to my wife!

rest.

Mar 17, 2011 at 4:30 pm

Written by Bonnie,

The importance of sabbath time is a lesson I am learning. It is amazingly difficult, even embarrassing, for me to tell someone I did nothing today! How wonderful it would be for our society to value resting in God's presence rather than valuing the frenetic pace in which we normally live. Thanks for this timely word.

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