WATCHWORD:
3 “You must not have any other god but me. 4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. 7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
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. Exodus 20:3-10
“And the Lord said, My presence shall go with you and I will give you rest”. Exodus 33:14
Meditation:
Power of Rest
Every now and then I come across a devotional that captures the purpose of these meditations. I share this from Joyce Meyer’s Ending Your Day Right, for July 12:
“This (Exodus 33:14) was God’s reply to Moses when he asked about the particulars of the mission he had been given and how he could get to know God better. God simply assured Moses that His presence would be with him and give him rest. This was considered by God to be a great privilege. To Him, it was all that Moses needed.
What was true for Moses is true for you. As much as you would like to know God’s plans and ways for you, all you really need to know is that His presence will be with you wherever He sends you and in whatever He gives you to do.
So, when you get concerned that things are not going the way you think they should, just remember that God’s presence is with you and enjoy the rest he promised to give you.”
I think we underestimate the power of ‘rest’. We are not designed for 24-hour non-stop thinking, or working or even creating. God gave us a clear model of that when He set aside a day of rest. I have heard any number of sermons based on the need for us to recharge our batteries, to set aside worries, and to make a fresh start.
In May, and, again, in November, 2019, Pastor Robert Morris preached on the topic of “Day of Rest”, citing the Fourth Commandment (Remember…the Sabbath day by keeping it holy). Morris spoke of his own experience of keeping that day of rest regardless of what might intrude. He cited consequences for not honoring our rest, while there are blessings when you do honor rest. Morris noted that the Commandment does not identify “Sabbath” as Sunday, only that on the seventh day God rested from His labors of creation, and Holy referred to a sacred day, protected, not to be violated.
When I was college dean, I always started the new school year with staff training. Included in that training was my emphasis on the need to avoid burnout, and to carve periods of time-out for refreshing self. I was not always good at practicing what I preach and I know a bit about the “consequences” Morris was referring to.
To be clear, “rest” in the midst of the isolation we have all faced, is not the point. Yes, we have experienced a “time-out” from our old normal, but what “breaks” have you practiced under these new normal days, weeks, months? How are you getting refreshed? Recharged? Pay attention to that part of your day/week. It is important to honor your rest. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
More Irish Humor — After the eighty-four-year-old lady finished her annual physical examination, Doc Murphy said to her, “You are in fine shape for your age, Mrs. Sullivan, but tell me, do you still have intercourse?” “Just a minute, I’ll have to ask my husband.” Mrs. Sullivan stepped out into the crowded waiting room and yelled out loud, “Sean dear, do we still have intercourse?” Suddenly, there was a hush in the waiting room. It was literally so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Sean answered impatiently, “If I have told you once, Kathleen, I have told you a hundred times. What we have is Blue Cross!”
Please Note: Over the next several months I will be occupied with details associated with the release of my book, A Life for Barabbas. While my intention is to continue with Watchword, I will do so just five times each week, omitting editions on Wednesdays and Sundays, effective this week.
Please know that your contributions are always welcome. If you get inspired, write a Meditation, or share a blessing, or ask for prayers.
Morning Prayers:
I Love You Lord, And I lift my voice
To worship You, Oh, my soul rejoice!
Take joy my King, In what You hear
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.
We exalt you, oh lord. I love you, Lord
Amen.
Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day, please let us be filled with Your spirit. Wherever we go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Let us desire to become more like you and to worship you in all we do. Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us. Thank you for always going before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
