"Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy." So goes the fourth Commandment. The seventh day was to be a day of rest for God's people, patterned after the order of Creation itself. If God rested, surely we need to also. Originally, it was proscribed by a list of activities forbidden on that day, including gathering of food, cooking, carrying burdens. People and animals alike were included in this prohibition on penalty of excommunication.
People misunderstand the negative nature of the Ten Commandments, imagining that being a person of faith is primarily a negative affair: "Don't do this; don't do that." The negation of certain activities however, is in reality life-affirming. The negations actually free us by leaving everything outside these few prohibitions untouched and available for life. In modern legal and bureaucratic legislation that imposes layer upon layer of requirements for everything from construction to health care we see the burden of positive rather than negative regulation.
When I was young, the Sabbath felt like a burden. We weren't allowed certain activities; it was a day for worship and rest. Period. Stores were closed, restaurants were shuttered, and the day was just plain boring. Or so it seemed. For most people today, it is just another day of the week, filled with activity and work. It's as if we can't stand to slow down and simply reflect. So we keep everything wound tight and wonder why people snap. Even Christians fall prey to ceaseless activity. We worship in the morning, but often cram so much activity into the rest of the day that by the time evening comes, we're worn out, and the week has just begun. Jesus reminded his followers that the Sabbath was made FOR us, not against us. It is God's gift to help us keep perspective in life so we can actually live instead of always just making a living.
Today our kids all had plans, leaving Linda and me to ourselves for the afternoon. We had a leisurely lunch at Panera Bread, then when we got home Linda worked on her Bible study lesson while I read through the manuals for the new tractor we brought home yesterday. It's amazing that as retirees our lives are as busy as they remain, so a Sabbath rest is welcome, no matter which day of the week it comes. This week it was a Sunday; next week it may come on a Tuesday. But whatever way it comes, we need these times to rest and renew. God tends to speak in whispers, and without time to quiet our souls before him, his voice gets drowned out till we lose the ability to recognize it.
I would not want to return to the days when youthful activity is frowned upon. Nate popped in this evening to return the kayak they borrowed as a couple dozen of the younger church couples and kids canoed and kayaked down the Allegany this afternoon. They relaxed and enjoyed the day, as did Linda and I in a much quieter way. Hopefully tomorrow we will all be refreshed and ready to face the week renewed in our spirits by the Holy Spirit of God who showed up at worship and throughout the day, giving needed rest for which we give thanks.
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