It is ironic I write this post on a day like today. A day when I should be focusing on myself.
I am always told to find rest for myself. But is this entirely what the sabbath is aimed towards?
Today just so happens to be the day that twenty years ago, I came into this world. A day that God breathed me into existence. My living comes from His laughter, out of His breathing. Today is also my day off from work, and it happens to be on a Sunday.
On a day like today, it is easy to get caught up in seeking out rest for myself, but something about that doesn't settle with me.
I don't recall God ever saying to Adam, "Adam, my dear son, on your Sabbath, do whatever you can to find rest for yourself."
The focus is not who the Sabbath was created for, but rather, the focus is on the one who created the Sabbath to begin with.
Today I had stopped at an auto repair shop to seek out help for my rundown 1997 Ford Taurus. (Finding an auto shop open on a Sunday was a miracle in itself).
I had discussed with the attendant the issues with my car, and what I needed to do to repair it. The issue was simple, My car's engine was overheating and needed coolant. For those who know a lot about cars, you have to wait quite a while your engine to cool down enough in order to fill it with coolant. After waiting about an hour in the mechanics shop, learning how to replace a tire, and how to check your engine fluids, it was now time to fix my car.
The mechanic had told me "Buddy, pay close to attention to what I do, I wouldn't want you messing up on the first go 'round."
He unscrewed the cap and I watched as he took his time. He checked the levels and status of the remaining coolant and saw that my car was in fact in need of coolant. He poured the coolant generously into the reservoir.
I watched every detail of his movement and at some points, practiced motioning my hands in sync with his.
Afterwards, he closed the hood and asked me to turn on the car. As I did, I watched in relief as the engine temperature dial went immediately to the "cold" signal.
I shook his hand and I continued on my way into Bend, Oregon
I guarantee, had I been focusing on the car itself or if I had tried to do it on my own, I would have failed miserably.
I needed a guide. I needed to observe the mechanic very carefully.
What does any of this have to do with the Sabbath?
Simple. The Sabbath wasn't designed for us to get entangled by it in and of itself.
God's hope is that we become entangled in His arms,
We must imitate God on the Sabbath. But that begs another question, how does God act on the sabbath.
10 One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, 11 he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” 13 Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
14 But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? 16 This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”
I am always told to find rest for myself. But is this entirely what the sabbath is aimed towards?
Today just so happens to be the day that twenty years ago, I came into this world. A day that God breathed me into existence. My living comes from His laughter, out of His breathing. Today is also my day off from work, and it happens to be on a Sunday.
On a day like today, it is easy to get caught up in seeking out rest for myself, but something about that doesn't settle with me.
I don't recall God ever saying to Adam, "Adam, my dear son, on your Sabbath, do whatever you can to find rest for yourself."
The focus is not who the Sabbath was created for, but rather, the focus is on the one who created the Sabbath to begin with.
Today I had stopped at an auto repair shop to seek out help for my rundown 1997 Ford Taurus. (Finding an auto shop open on a Sunday was a miracle in itself).
I had discussed with the attendant the issues with my car, and what I needed to do to repair it. The issue was simple, My car's engine was overheating and needed coolant. For those who know a lot about cars, you have to wait quite a while your engine to cool down enough in order to fill it with coolant. After waiting about an hour in the mechanics shop, learning how to replace a tire, and how to check your engine fluids, it was now time to fix my car.
The mechanic had told me "Buddy, pay close to attention to what I do, I wouldn't want you messing up on the first go 'round."
He unscrewed the cap and I watched as he took his time. He checked the levels and status of the remaining coolant and saw that my car was in fact in need of coolant. He poured the coolant generously into the reservoir.
I watched every detail of his movement and at some points, practiced motioning my hands in sync with his.
Afterwards, he closed the hood and asked me to turn on the car. As I did, I watched in relief as the engine temperature dial went immediately to the "cold" signal.
I shook his hand and I continued on my way into Bend, Oregon
I guarantee, had I been focusing on the car itself or if I had tried to do it on my own, I would have failed miserably.
I needed a guide. I needed to observe the mechanic very carefully.
What does any of this have to do with the Sabbath?
Simple. The Sabbath wasn't designed for us to get entangled by it in and of itself.
God's hope is that we become entangled in His arms,
We must imitate God on the Sabbath. But that begs another question, how does God act on the sabbath.
10 One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, 11 he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” 13 Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
14 But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water? 16 This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”