Rest

Enjoying the Sabbath

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In Mark’s Gospel Jesus pointed out that the opposition he was facing over what He was doing on the Sabbath was from a basic misunderstanding of the command to rest on the seventh day. The Pharisees were acting as if the 4th commandment began when Moses received it on the mountain. But in reality the concept of Sabbath was woven into the very fabric of God’s creation. Genesis tells us that on the seventh day God rested (P.S. he wasn’t tired!). 

Here was God at the end of His creation process, creating one more thing as a gift for man. He created a day to rest together with Adam and Eve. Maybe Adam and Eve just walked through the garden in delighted wonderment saying things like, “Wow that waterfall is amazing God!” or “That giraffe has the longest neck I’ve ever seen!”. God wasn’t interested in their doing something to impress Him. He simply wanted to share that day with them. Later on maybe they sat down by a brook and kicked their feet in the cool water, then lay down on the soft grassy bank and took a nap and there was God right beside them, resting and blessing that first Sabbath day.

When was the last time any of us really took time to receive the gift of Sabbath that God made for us? Does that mean we should just sit around the house afraid to go out? Not at all! In fact Jesus constantly got into trouble by going around helping people on the Sabbath. It was His way of sharing His day with God. Why do we allow the worries of life or the expectations of other people rob from us that joy? We are each unique and in our own way why not celebrate a Sabbath as God intended and simply delight in sharing one day entirely with Him? 

Finding Rest

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I have found that most of my frustration, stress and anger has its roots down deep in my own personal pride. I get frustrated when I can’t get something accomplished, because it is humbling to admit that something is beyond my ability. Stress keeps me awake at night juggling ideas on how to deal with a broken situation that only God can fix. My anger at people around me usually reflects that I wish they would act differently towards me instead of realizing that only God is in control.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am[f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

If you are even a little bit like me, then be encouraged; Jesus has some good news for us! In our mailbox today is an invitation to come to Him and learn a better way. Notice, Jesus didn’t say, “Get your act together and get over here!” He gently asks us to come and learn. At times like right now when I am worn down and feeling alone, He opens His arms and calls; “Come sit by the well with me and listen.” There in the silence of His meekness by the still waters of the humility of Jesus is now as always a rest for my soul.

What about you dear brother or sister? Are you ready to rest? There is no more better place of true service than in the quietness by the side of Jesus Christ.

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When Jesus Slept

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If a piece of steel is bent back and forth enough times it will become fatigued to the point of structural failure. Do you sometimes feel distressed to the point of giving up? Jesus’ disciples felt they had reached their breaking point. They had been pressed to the limit day after day often with little sleep and scarcely a moment to eat. All this they had endured because every day Jesus knew what to do next. He healed the sick gave sight to a man who had never been able to see and even raised His friend Lazarus from the grave. But on that night when Jesus took the bread and cup and told them of His coming death they were left in spiritual shock.

Jesus prayed in agony just a stone’s throw away but they fell asleep: and not just once or twice but three times! Their hearts were overwhelmed by fear and sorrow for what lay ahead. Do you feel like His disciples tonight? It is okay. Jesus was the Son of God but not superman and He doesn’t expect us to be either!

Don’t misunderstand He does expect us to watch and pray. But Jesus was weary and rested by the well. Jesus was hungry and ate real food at parties. Jesus knew sorrow and He wept at the grave of His friend. Jesus was so sleepy that He even fell asleep in a boat in a storm! The secret Jesus had was not super strength but rather yielding His weaknesses to God. There He found a strength that carried Him all the way to the cross. We must remember that it was not till after Jesus slept in the boat that He awoke and calmed the storm!

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38 NKJV