Surprising Sabbath Rest

 

Yesterday’s message from the pulpit was incredibly refreshing. Our pastors started a four-week service on Sabbath rest with a delightful departure from legalism or rules about what we are to do or not do on our day of rest.

In fact, it wasn’t about a particular day but about the rhythm of work then rest that God established in Genesis. Six days He worked, then rested on the seventh. The Jews made that Saturday but added a long list of things not to be done, even a rule about how far a person could walk on that day without breaking the Sabbath. We normally think of Sabbath as Sunday but it does not have to be that day.

Instead the message was about the love of God that knows how badly His people need the rhythm of work then rest. We were told many ways to do that, from having a nap, to taking a walk, to relaxing with a hobby, and several other to-do’s rather than a list of do-not items, like playing or shopping. We live in such a fast-paced world and need to slow down and relax.

I appreciated the emphasis to avoid tradition. Today’s devotional reading addresses some  traditions that can lock us into rules and regulations instead of the rest that God intended. Jesus was not big on tradition either, and much more concerned with the state of our hearts:

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ” (Matthew 15:1–9)

I read about traditions this week. Some of them come from assumptions, like three wise men because there were three gifts brought to Jesus, but nowhere are the number of Magi listed. Another is that ceasing from labor means not turning on the stove to cook a meal, or never going to a store because we are out of milk. Jesus did say; “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27–28)

Our pastor pointed out that Jesus did many healings on the Sabbath and was teaching on that day, much to the consternation of the religious establishment. Doing good is not considered “work” and pointed out that “rest” could simply be a change of pace, a focus on the goodness of God instead of stressing or even pampering ourselves. Why not turn off mobile phones, remove some to-do items off calendars, stop watching TV, stop using social media, email, and instead engage with people fact-to-face. The idea is to work from rest, not work for rest. If I say TGIF, I’m not thinking God’s way about rest. Instead, spend time with God, alone or with others, and drawing strength from Him, learning more about Him, and doing life-giving activities.

My hubby and I drove around the neighborhood where we now live, seeing what it is like. Then, since we both like books we spent most of the afternoon in a large, nearby library reading material that did not add to the pressures of life and work. It was lovely.

PRAY: Jesus, these ideas about Sabbath rest make me realize afresh that waiting on You, slowing down to think about You, is life-giving. I come into today with past worries forgotten and a renewed sense of what is important. I’m thankful that You put this series into the hearts of our church leaders and give them truth to share rather than judgment about how to spend time at rest. For me, it was refreshing. Being on life’s fast track 24/7 is not Your will. Thank You for the rhythm of work and rest and for giving us the Sabbath and inviting me to time with You to renew my strength.

Increase my zeal . . .

I’m in Chapter Five of the book I’m using for devotions. It is about two New Testament books but begins with a background of Paul. God is teaching me today about zeal.

Zeal is being deeply committed to and enthusiastic about something. A couple of verses tell me that zeal in itself is not a sin because God Himself is zealous . . . 

The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes. (Isaiah 42:13)

But all zeal is not like God’s zeal. In speaking of the Jews, Paul said, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) This tells me zeal can be misguided, in this case by ignorance of the righteousness of God and trying to establish godliness on their own.

Paul himself also had been a zealous man. He went after Christians thinking this is what God wanted. . .

For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles . . .  (Galatians 1:13–16)

As with Paul, when Jesus transforms a life, He brings in a deep and full desire to do the right thing . . .

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11–14)

From experience, I realize that zeal requires discernment. It is easy to evaluate the worth of anything by the immediate results. Sometimes I base the rightness of my actions on whether others accept it or not. However, Peter warns that Christians can suffer for being zealous for righteousness. He says this is better than suffering for doing something selfish.

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:13–17)

The last book of the Bible begins with letters to seven churches, one of which was not very zealous. They were comfortable with life and lacking enthusiasm for God. God said to them:

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:14–19)

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for making Paul a zealous man. Not all of us are created with fire in our bones. Yet because You live in me, I have a zeal for many things that would not otherwise be there. In You I want to be a godly person. I deeply desire others to know You and Your goodness. At the same time, I can see how zeal for righteousness or for anything else can be thwarted by an easy life and that deadening sense that I do not need anything. Just as I feed my zeal for creativity by observing and studying creation and the creative works of many artistic people, I also need to feed my zeal to pray by reading books on prayer and praying with people. Those I’d call ‘prayer warriors’ encourage that fire within. Reading Your Word increases my zeal to glorify You. Zeal is a wonderful gift. Increase my enthusiasm to glorify You! Amen.

Excited to see Jesus

Christians are instructed by God to be watchful and in anticipation for the return of Jesus Christ. Some think it will never happen, but most of the discussion is about when rather than if.

Jesus gave signs of the end of this age and the beginning of the next heralded by His Coming. Peter repeated what the Lord said, and the early Christians fully expected it to happen soon. Now, two thousand years later, some of my fellow travelers are still saying, “Are we there yet?”

Today, I read these verses and find myself longing for His return . . .

“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:17–21)

Most of my desire to see Jesus comes from the state of the world. Earthquakes by the dozens, extreme weather, political and moral chaos — when will it end? Or will it? A slide downhill happens easily while making it more positive can take decades, even centuries.

It seems much of the world has turned its back on God. Little wonder that the media seldom reports on what God is doing — such as reaching people in the Middle East through dreams and visions, and bringing thousands of soldiers in at least one American military base to faith in Christ. We can turn our backs on God, but that does not stop Him.

Tozer’s remarks are positive and hopeful. He says that God dwells in a state of perpetual enthusiasm, delighted with all that is good and lovingly concerned about all that is wrong. He does His work in a fullness of holy zeal, filling people with delight and fire at His presence.

The first disciples gave their lives to serve their Savior. They were convinced of His grace and truth and wanted the world to know. They changed this planet forever. A few contemporary Christians have that same zeal. One said, “I'm having too much fun declaring & demonstrating the Kingdom of God, it's okay if He waits till he returns!" (R. Alan Woods, 2013)

^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, faith in You ought to continue with those results. We ought to boldly share our faith, unconcerned with those who mock us and with a a zeal that affects our world, changing that increasing sense of hopelessness to the perpetual enthusiasm that comes from loving You with all our heart — and from an eager desire to see Your face.

Christ in my work, even my hobbies

A hobby is usually some pastime that takes the mind off daily chores and responsibilities. The focus is on the task at hand, whether golfing, model building, or sewing. However, there is no record that Jesus, His disciples, or the Apostle Paul ever took a day off to fly kites. Yet regardless of what they did for leisure, the Bible has plenty to say about daily work and ordinary activities.

For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:9)

In its context, this verse refers to those actively engaged in building the kingdom of God. He is their partner in the work for no man can do this without Him. However, there are other verses about work, even about other ordinary activities like eating, drinking, and by implication, hobbies.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23–24)

Chambers says I should beware of any work for God which enables me to evade concentration on Him. These verses tell me that I should also beware of doing anything that does not consider Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This includes my activities as a quilter. Even though I often pray while cutting and piecing fabric, I am aware how easily that activity can pull my mind away from everything else, even God.

Chambers also says a great many Christian workers can go to the extreme by worshiping their work. Again, these verses suggest that such worship cannot be limited to Christian ministry. Even though many complain about their jobs, some people do ‘worship’ their work, and some even ‘worship’ their hobbies. While enjoyment of work is okay, the Bible says that God gives that enjoyment — my worship should never slide from Him to adulation of any joyful activities that He gives me.

Another thought is relating work to play. A child plays (which is ‘work’ for him) with delight and without any regard for it being tedious. If my activity is no longer joyful, it can soon be resented. This child can become tired, frustrated, even angry. It also happens to employees, and to those engaged in their hobbies.

For example, some say about quilting, “I’ve no patience for that.” They do not know the joy of it, and perhaps do not experience the Lord’s joy in other ‘work-related’ activities. They certainly haven’t realized that patience isn’t required to experience pleasure in work or a hobby, only the ability look to God in the doing of it. He gives joy and can make work more like child play.

That can change, and if it does then my hobby or other activities become empty, without freedom and without delight. If my mind and body become burdened by them, I need to examine my motivations and again rely on God for the blessing of Himself in my work.

Yet as Chambers says, there is another side to this joy from God. When my concentration is on Him, and when all of life is free and under His dominance, and when I trust in Him alone, I can feel alone. If that sense of aloneness gets to me, then I could also bog down. My responsibility is to keep in constant touch with God, without anything hindering my relationship with Him.

All that annoys or frustrates goes away when I remember that Jesus Christ set me free to pour out whole-hearted devotion — in doing whatever my hands finds to do. 

Motivation makes a difference

Going up and down a ladder for a few hours makes my body sore, but I’m going to go back at it today. Our daughter bought a new condo which didn’t need new paint, but according to her taste it needs a new color.

After a long day of putting that new color on some of her walls, a small voice asked me this morning, Why are you doing this? While I love my daughter and that could be enough motivation, I’ve learned to follow another motivation that sustains me longer and certainly keeps me from complaining. It is found in yesterday’s Bible verses.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality, willing to paint an entire condo. (Romans 12:10-13, italics obviously mine!)

Years ago, when my children were small and my husband was working far away and only able to be home on the weekends, I found the task of being both mom and dad very difficult. Not only that, we lived on a farm and some of my outside chores were challenging. I prayed for help with all of this, and the Lord simply said, “Do it for me.”

It was a new idea, but this put a spring in my step. The work seemed easier and I was more aware of His presence as I did it. I can remember my husband thanking me for something and for the first time thinking, I did it for you, but I really did it for Jesus.

Since those early days, God has shown my why this motivation means greater energy and enthusiasm. It is because no one can truly serve the Lord in their own strength. As I do anything for Him, I also must rely on Him as my resource. It is as Paul wrote . . .

To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Colossians 1:29)

Sometimes people question how I can “do so much” and this is the only answer. Every morning begins with the Word of God and prayer. I have a rough plan for the day, but more than the plan is the full intention to do or meet whatever comes my way in the power of God. If I rely on myself, I will do what I feel like doing, the interruptions will be annoying or distracting, the less-than-fun chores will be avoided, and I will simply refuse to do the tough stuff. Instead, by giving all of the list to the Lord and doing it for Him, I’ve learned that in His strength I can do the difficult things first, usually far more quickly than expected, and have plenty of time left for what is more enjoyable.

Another benefit from this is that He gives me the ability to enjoy the work instead of dreading it, even those tough chores. Also, should my body ache at the end of it, I’ve found that because it was done for Jesus, my usual complaining is replaced by a thankful spirit.

Following Jesus is amazing. He has made such an astounding difference in everything I do, including both ordinary chores and those challenging chores that I don’t like much. This week I’m rejoicing that He is also here for me in the task of painting a condo.

I love my job

Job descriptions are important. Without them, I can only imagine the chaos in a work place if some people were doing only the work that appeals to them, others were coming along and redoing the same tasks, and vast areas were being neglected.

Job descriptions for paid positions are vital, but they are also important for volunteer organizations. While bringing my “style” into an unpaid job could have some value, doing my own thing without giving attention to the others causes confusion and ensures that I do not meet their expectations or get the job done.

My local church also has certain positions with job descriptions. Many of these descriptions are not written, but because the Bible is so clear about how we are supposed to behave, much of what we do or how we do it is included in Scripture.

For instance, my assigned task is to facilitate a Bible study class. I’m to show up at 9:30 every Sunday with prepared study material and lead the class through it. Nothing is given to show me how to do that, but the Bible gives the fuller job description. One passage says this:

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13)

I am supposed to care about the women in my class and put their needs ahead of my own. I’m to be diligent in research, preparation, and teaching, but also persevere in loving them. I need to remember that in serving them, I am serving the Lord. I’m to be joyful as I hope for fruit in their lives, patient when trials come (and they do), continually praying for all of them, meeting their needs whenever I can, and welcoming them into my life.

I left out one phrase that the Lord is nudging me as a point of focus: fervent in spirit. This speaks about having an enthusiastic attitude, being excited about what I do.

Last night in a television advertisement for a job placement service, I heard several “actors” say, “I love my job.” As I listened, I tried to remember the last time I heard anyone in real life say this. Many people complain about work and dislike their job.

The job might not be the whole problem. I notice that little things like not getting enough sleep can destroy my enthusiasm for just about anything. Lack of clear instruction (a good job description) can make me hesitant rather than fervent in spirit. Working without encouragement or praise will dull my edge, and little or no visible results from my work often make me feel like giving up.

In my spiritual service to God, I know that enthusiasm requires the Holy Spirit. If I am filled with me, my energy will not last, but His help includes resolve, persistence, and a zeal that is deep and ongoing. Not only that, if my job description is not clear, He knows what I am supposed to do and will guide me along the way.

I’ve struggled with all sorts of things the past few days. One of them has been too many jobs and each one with demands for excellence, precision, and a deadline. I’ve been up too late most nights and tired. Last night I turned off my alarm and managed to sleep a bit longer than normal. Sleep helps, but so do the promises of God.

The Lord reminds me that even though I cannot see the results of my labor, He can. He says, “Do not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9) and with that urges me to pay attention to my job description, be fervent in spirit and enjoy what I am doing.