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“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.” ~Luther’s Small Catechism
It may seem strange, but I struggle with this commandment more than all the rest. When I think of honoring the Sabbath, I think about resting just as God did after creating the earth. But as much as I would like to rest, I just can’t seem to do it.
There is always more work to do,
- housework to do,
- yardwork to do,
- gardening and weeding to do,
- more errands to run,
- more things to clean,
- more activities to be involved in,
- more friends to visit,
- I think you get the picture...
At the end of the day, I want to give up. I just can’t seem to honor God in this way.
Yet, Jesus reminds me in Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28 and Luke 6:1-5 that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Perhaps this third commandment is more than just honoring God, but also about my well-being.
Martin Luther reminds us that the Sabbath is about more than just rest. Yes, we are to rest from our work as a refreshing of our souls, but we are also supposed to meditate and reflect on who God is so that we may be energized and renewed for our work ahead. It’s a kind of dual-renewal!
As you head into the Summer, I pray for you that the Sabbath finds you. May you learn to create time to rest, reflect, and relax. And may you also find time with God who alone can truly renew your soul.
Peace,
Intern Pastor Meggie Bjertness
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