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Gary

What is Sabbath?

Biblically, it is a day, once a week, when we do no work. "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work." (Ex 20:9-10) It was also a year, once every seven years, when God's covenant people not sow seed, prune vines or store up harvest. (Lev. 25:4-7)

And to the question, "How are we going to eat in the seventh year?" God replied: "I will so order My blessing for you in the sixth year that it will bring forth the crop for three years." (vs. 21)

What does if mean for us to create a space and time so that we might experience the so ordered blessing of God? How does it happen for you?

For me:
Sitting on the front porch swing (when it isn't falling down)
Looking out the window of "the church " at Mosaic worship gatherings
Strolling down the fairway of a golf course
Drinking a cup of coffee late in the evening when no one is awake in the house

These are times I do not have to be any certain way, know the right words in a conversation, look a specific way....just be with my Father and know that He is God.

As the Psalmist says: "Be still and know that I am God." Dallas Willard states it this way, "The command is: "Do no work." Just make space."

Scott Mc

I agree with the concept of Sabbath in terms of moments in a day etc. But I also think there is something in the literal reference to an entire day. I think God has in mind for our bodies the same he had for the farmed land in that we need replenishment and rest for one day out of seven. It does seem like now-a-days it's almost impossible. On the other hand, one may rest and do no work on the seventh day and not really reflect on God. I don't know what to think about this, because the commandment (of "The Ten") states nothing about reflecting on God, but only doing no work on that day. To me, though, that seems like it could be incomplete.

I do think that "keeping the Sabbath" is one of those things that we as the Church choose to overlook. Disobeying this command from God has somehow become not as bad as committing murder or adultery. In so many church communities, to be involved in leadership means that your Sunday is jammed with work; then if you work 5 days at your occupation, and work on Saturday to take care of your household, when do you keep the Sabbath?

I think it's only fair to reveal where I fall in all of this...I try to keep Sunday as a day of rest, BUT I often find myself taking care of household things, whether chores or fun. I might spend an hour and a half cooking in the kitchen and cleaning up after myself. Also, when I do rest, I am not characterized by having moments of relfection, meditation, or contemplation, but more like chillin' with thoughts of sports or something.

toastchee

...profound. Such a simple command, but for me the act of placing a priority on rest and having quiet, still time with God is very refreshing and still a little strange -- but liberating. I also liked the idea of taking 'Sabbaths' throughout the day.

It was my first time at Mosaic Sunday. I loved it.

Scott Mc

i agree toastchee. what is hard for me is balancing what God has commanded me to do and what my will or pride sometimes feel driven to do. in general, our culture looks upon rest time or leisure time as slothful and lazy or as some romantic notion that only takes place in Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

glad you liked mosaic. sorry i didn't take the opportunity to meet you. for me its always nice to put a face with a (screen)name! hope to meet you soon.

Guest

a linne

does this mean i get to sleep in on sunday?