Dirk Taljaard

Reading from Scripture

Exodus 20:8-11

In six days I, the Lord, made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the Lord, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.

Compared to the other six, the day of rest is supposed to be kept in a different way. Otherwise the rhythm gets disturbed. But it is actually the manner, the how, which causes difference of opinion, especially among Christians. Some are very rigid and legalistic about the do’s and do not’s. Others have a laissez faire attitude taking things in their stride and allowing almost everything.

Maybe the view that it’s not about what is permissible and what isn’t, carries some weight. It is rather about the possibilities opened up by this day. During the normal working week we become so involved with and occupied by people and responsibilities that other (important) things get neglected: our own spiritual growth and development, our obligation towards our fellow believers to spread God’s love and to create the time and space for our own families. In short, we need to catch our breath and charge our batteries.

It means making choices. One needs to decide whether to sit next to the river longing to be in church, or sitting in church longing to be fishing. We do not really afford ourselves the luxury of rubbing shoulders and taking hands with fellow believers. It befits us to take note of the author of the letter to the Hebrews: Let us not give up the habit of meeting together… (10:25). These occasions often become wake up calls to again follow in the footsteps of the Lord, serving others. The church needs the attitude of Jesus: to serve and not to be served. We are supposed to be equipped to share his grace with all through our visits, calls, SMS’s, emails…

How do you spend your day of rest? Jesus once said that the Sabbath was created for man and not the other way round. Let’s start using the day to build his kingdom by serving one another. Let’s celebrate the day, without judging others for the way in which they interpret this commandment.

Lord, Jesus, help me to serve others as You have taught us. Amen.