Holy Time

Read: Exodus 20:8-11

As you are using this devotional, you are keeping holy time. The fourth commandment requires God’s people to set aside one entire day in the week for this kind of practice: scripture reading, meditation, and prayer.

The purpose of Sabbath practice is rest, in recognition that there is more to the life of faith than work. God sets the standard for us in the creation story (vs.11), and reminds us that workaholism is not an acceptable way to serve God. In the slavery of Egypt, labor was required 24/7. In God’s covenant community, freedom from labor is a right and responsibility, at least 1/7th of the time, and the freedom to rest is also given to all creation.

For the people of Israel, Sabbath was the 7th day of the week. In the Bahamas it is said that God had just finished creating those islands on that first Friday evening, was delighted with their beauty, and chose them for the divine resting place all day Saturday. In our post-resurrection Christian faith, which has moved the Sabbath to the first day of the week, Sunday, we have a similar setting in the lovely garden of Joseph of Arimathea, where Jesus arose from the dead.

Resting in a place of natural beauty is an ancient Sabbath tradition, still valid today, so long as spending time with God is the purpose of being there. Holy Sabbath time redeems us, through worship and rest.

Prayer: Creator God, thank you for calling us to rest in you. Amen.

Betsy Lunz