There's something that I'm learning this Christmas. I stopped working, at least during the holidays. I haven't written any sermons, taken notes or planned youth events. I haven't prepared calendars or met with youth for coffee. I haven't really done much of anything. I've spent time reading, and writing, and watching movies. I've drank lots of coffee, and ate lots of christmas foods. I've played piano and I've thought allot. You know what I've accomplished? Nothing. And you know what I like about that? Everything.
I'm learning a bit about rest. A bit about sabbath. A bit about how my striving doesn't make God any more sovereign or mighty or able to save than He was before. About how me trying to control and run everything really will get me nowhere, and fast. Well, it may get me somewhere. To an early grave. It may get me burnt out and good for nothing. I could loose my saltiness, and be good for nothing, but to be trampled on underfoot. But frankly, I like being salty. I think I'm better that way.
I think we need to learn to protect ourselves. Take care of ourself. Learn to fill ourselves up so that we are refreshed and ready to give out. I think sometime in church circles we strive on giving giving giving. We quote "freely you have received, now freely give." Give, give, give. Give of what? of what we receive. But where are you receiving? You who are in ministry, when are you filling up, so you have something to give out? I risk sounding selfish, I know. But I don't care. I see people all around me who don't know how to rest. (myself being one of them, and I'm learning. Slowly. But I am)
The 10 Commandments is quoted twice in the OT. Both have a slight variation that unless you were looking for it, you may not see.
In Exodus, we are reminded, as the 8th commandment, to observe the sabbath. It is reminded to us that God did all that work in 6 days, and then rested.
In Deuteronomy we are reminded that we were slaves in Egypt, and that with His mighty Hand and His outstretched arm, the Lord has redeemed us from slavery. We are no longer slaves. Yet we slave away. Driven, always. Neglecting rest, often. Feeling guilty when we try to slow down. As if by striving, God would be more powerful and would move more on our behalf. I am chained, often to that striving. I am often it's slave. I need to learn to observe the Sabbath.
