The holidays are upon us. Feasts, celebrations, presents, family and friends — a new year with new opportunities awaits.
Yet, many seem so frantic. Life is lived at such a fast pace that days, weeks, months and years pass by in a blur. We juggle acquaintances, hurry to meetings, attend events and tackle projects. The volume is loud as everyone and everything demands undivided attention. We find ourselves constantly overworking and seeking ways to get ahead so we can finally rest, looking forward to that elusive break. How nice it would be to kick back and enjoy life a little.
Shoppers dazzled by advertised prospects voluntarily leave their comfortable homes and delicious meals to dive headlong into fierce, crowded retail battles. The quest is to find the earliest, cheapest gifts — or even last minute gifts regardless of cost — for families and friends.
The irony is, we have an unopened gift. It is the opportunity given to us freely every week to exit the fray. For some, this concept is an anomaly, a strange ritual thrust upon them by a mean God and zealous people who have no understanding of reality. For others, it seems like a great idea, but completely unworkable in today’s society.
This gift is none other than the Sabbath. This day was meant to edify and bring us that elusive rest — that departure from chaos. In fact, many holy days (holidays) were to last as long as a week during which there was to be no regular work, but rather joyous feasting, celebration and worship. Grilled meat, fresh bread and vegetables, abundant drink, rest and worship sounds like a good thing, but so many are loathe to consider this 4th commandment a gift, or fully embrace it as a routine practice in life.
I am amazed at how often God refers to the command and concept of Sabbath in Scripture. From the account of creation in Genesis to the promise of a new creation in Revelation, God reiterates His design and intent to provide rest, especially to those who are faithful.
Moses is instructed to direct the entire nation to celebrate the Sabbath every week. He is reminded that even though the Lord created and owns the entire world, even He can take break and rest. The Lord instructed us to prepare double on the sixth day, then shut everything down to rest ourselves and honor Him on the seventh day.
David recognized God’s bountiful blessing in his life when he noted appreciatively, “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23). Remember that feeling, perhaps when you were a kid, of just laying in the grass and not having a single care in the world?
My parents and grandparents used to make me take naps as a youngster. I remember trying to find ways to fake naps, or avoid them altogether, as if that was a good thing. However, now that I am older and wiser, and like citizens of many cultures around the world, I believe everyone should take a break every day after lunch. On top of that, we can embrace one day a week that is completely different, markedly unselfish, holy, and restful.
Evidence exists that those who take time to sharpen their axe can cut more wood in a given time span. They are wiser than those who insist on whacking away with a duller tool.
As one highly acclaimed author asserts in one of his management books, “Some of your best people may spend some of their best time staring at the wall.” Harvey B. Mackay shares Lesson 44 in “Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” recognizing what God has instructed all along. Take a break, and good things can happen.
God believes in His design so much that He actually promises good things to those who open this weekly gift. He warns of bad things for those who ignore the Commandment. We can fight it, but we are not a people of our own design, nor do we control most of what happens in the universe.
Our culture is full of much razzle, dazzle, and frazzle, but God wills that we fill our lives with meaningful work and intentional rest that glorifies Him.
So, how about opening the gift of the Sabbath this year? Lay aside yourself, your plans, your regular work, and for at least one day a week, do nothing.
Then, if anyone asks you what you are doing, say, “Nothing. Nothing today. Today is a day to honor the Lord. Today is a holy day, a day separate, given as a gift for me, for us, for everyone.” Indeed, tomorrow and the remaining five days of the week will include hard work to bring glory to God in all that we do. But, today, why don’t you join me in exiting the fray? Let’s ignore the razzle and dazzle, avoid the frazzle, and do nothing, together, today, all day, once a week, every week all year, for the glory of God.”
Dr. K. Lynn Lewis serves as Executive Director/Provost of The Bible Seminary located at 2655 S. Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450. 281-646-1109 (O) | 281-646-1110 (F) | 832-525-5244 (C) lynn.lewis@thebibleseminary.org | www.thebibleseminary.org
