Thursday's SOAP - Exodus 20:8-11

⁸ “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ You have six days each week for your ordinary work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.


S(cripture) - For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

O(bservation) - I mentioned this text yesterday - the genesis of why Jesus' disciples were accused of breaking the commandments by picking grain on Saturday.  Does God need rest?  It seems like an absurd question, but the foundation of the commandment is that God rested after creating.  By definition, I would suggest that God does not need rest, but He CHOSE to rest.  And the connection of God's rest to our rest is critical.  We are created in the imago dei (the image of God).  And the "justification" for this command (v.11)  implies the imago dei - God rested so you - created in his image - should rest too.  But for humans, this is not only a choice but a need - we NEED to rest.  We need a sacred rhythm. 

A(pplication) - And that rest can be daily and/or weekly or perhaps even monthly.  I guess what I am saying is listen to Jesus' words - the Sabbath is a gift to you - not a law to beat you down.  Use this gift - you need rest!  And for some of us need more rest than others.  Find time for rest and retreat.  One more Scripture that compliments this . . . In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. - Romans 14:5  God gives us great freedom in how we rest but know we should rest - we NEED rest.  We need sacred rhythm.

P(rayer) - Abba, may your wisdom guide me into daily and weekly and monthly rest.  Vacation is not what you had in mind, but vacation can be rest or mission if your wisdom invades it.  Let me honor You with my rest and how I take care of this body you've given me.

p.s. If anyone would like to experiment with silent retreat, I have twice gone to a monastery in Virginia that is huge in my spiritual formation.  If this interests you (men or women), let's set up a time to meet.  I'd be more than willing to go back and guide you into this experience.