And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that had been done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. – Genesis 2:2-3
Today is the seventh day of the week. A week that began with singing and shouting and the waving of palm branches has come to a quiet close. It is as it should be. Our scripture lesson tells us that on the seventh day God rested. Now, I don’t think God rested on the seventh day because God was tired. I think God rested to set an example for us to follow. Each of us needs a day to stop and reflect upon that which has happened in the last seven days. We need a day set aside to remember that which is most important to us – our relationship with God and others. We need a day to rest our bodies and to refresh our souls. We need a day that puts our lives into context and helps us prepare for that which is to come. After all, it is a part of our nature. It’s in our DNA. We need Sabbath rest. And we’re going to need it, for tomorrow is Easter – the day of the new creation!
Prayer: Gracious Lord, thank you for Sabbath rest. Thank you for a day set aside to rest, reflect, and remember. Help us to order our lives according to the pattern you have established. Help us to rest well. Amen.
Bill Britt
