Earlier today I blogged on Jesus being the Lord of the Sabbath. I’m sure other people have different interpretations of that claim referring to the centrality of the Sabbath being based on Him or reference to the rest inferring the final rest and not the weekly observation. More renown men than I have debated the deal and I am not going to wade into that argument.
What I am going to say is how grateful I am for the Sabbath rest. As I have blogged in time past, my understanding and observation has changed over the years and along with other bits and pieces of doctrine there still a level of flux involved in it. What I’m still convinced about, however, is the essential need to observe the day of rest. What I’m convinced about further still is that this observation is meant to be something liberating – something for the benefit of mankind. If it is drudgery or duty or just out of obligation it is seriously missing the point that got the Creator to initiate it from the beginning.
This is why talk of Jesus somehow dispelling it at the cross and all of a sudden the early church did not need to observe the Sabbath seems rather odd even on the surface.
I am grateful for the Sabbath rest.
I luxuriate in it and it is something I hold dearly even if my observation of it wouldn’t be pleasing to some from the tradition in which I grew up.
As God would have it, although I’m scheduled to work regular 9-5 hours from Monday to Friday, come the Friday afternoon as my work has naturally ended by 3pm and my boss has recognised that in the context of a week of diligent labour and early starts, he’s had no problems allowing me to finish early. All the more time for me to get into the groove of embracing the rest and looking forward to what it has on offer, not under regimented, legalistic demands, but through a joyful knowledge that this is the time to rest and reflect in the wholesome beauty of God’s creation.
Listing the things to be thankful for in the week gone by, sharing the time with beloved family and immersing myself in His Word, enjoying His presence – that is the deal! There is no doubt that at the end of it I am truly refreshed. Challenged? Yes. Stimulated? Yes. Given insight? Yes. Rested? Most certainly – thank God for Sabbath.
Also take some time to consider some of the claims in this reflective video piece. Interesting to consider, I reckon.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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