Rev. Dr. Jenny Smith
“You are lazy!” This was Pharaoh’s appraisal of the Israelite slaves when they fell short of their brick quota. Pharaoh valued them only for their productivity; their contribution to
the building of Egypt’s pyramids. When Moses asked Pharaoh to release the people for one day of worship and rest, Pharaoh refused. His economy could not spare an hour for renewal.
In this system distrust, resentment, and exhaustion festered in slaves and masters.
The story of God’s deliverance of the Hebrew people from Pharaoh’s grip is about more than just emancipation from slavery. Those who Moses led out of Egypt were invited into an entirely
different reality; an existence not defined by productivity but a life where one’s value is found in one’s relationship with God and neighbor. The promised land would have cows to
milk and honey to harvest but there would also be space for worship, rest, and community.
This summer we will hear the Lord’s invitation, indeed the Lord’s command, for us to live as free people who enjoy God’s rhythms for rest and work. We will claim the fourth commandment
as the hinge point upon which our ability to love God and neighbor rests. We will consider the liberating power of “observing the Sabbath day and keeping it holy.” We will consider
what it means to come to Jesus, the one who makes burdens light and affords us the opportunity to experience guiltless rest. Along the way we will discover the necessity for our souls
to be emancipated from the restlessness and unsustainable demands of our culture.
Are you ready to try a new rhythm? Begin by claiming space each day for scripture and reflection:
- Sunday: Exodus 20:1-17 –
How does the opening line provide context for the commandments?
- Monday: Exodus 20:8-11 –
Consider carefully how you live this commandment.
- Tuesday: Exodus 5:1-17
– What in your culture or reality prevents you from claiming space for rest and worship?
- Wednesday: Claim 10 minutes to deeply ponder: What force/job/addiction/chore/pleasure… most prevents me from truly resting? Start planning now to divest from this entirely on Saturday or Sunday.
- Thursday: Matthew 11:28-30 – Red and Re-read the invitation.
- Friday: Claim 10 minutes today to “come to Jesus” in prayer. Just talk with HIM.
|