Thus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:1-3
The world is a busy, noisy place filled with people at work and play. Our culture is one in which we try to fill every moment with the sights and sounds of modern-day life. There is so much to choose from, so much to do, and so little time. The “other” gods of the world demand our precious time causing many to work longer and harder to make enough money to appease them.
The rhythm and pace of worldly living puts us on trial and drives us to unhealthy habits of eating fast food (The defendant will rise), neglecting our families, (Guilty as charged), and not getting the rest needed to rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and spirits. (Bailiff, take him away!)
The world is so busy and distracted that the voices of competition, success, selfishness, pride, and pleasure deafen our ears and fill our hearts and minds with earthly troubles. But as God’s people become quiet and still, we hear yet another voice. Listening in faith, we hear that whispering voice that calls out to us. As we listen even closer, we recognize it as the voice of God’s Holy Spirit.
If we can only break out of the rhythm of life as set by “other gods” we will soon find that it is the one true God who truly sets the rhythm of life. God blesses his people with all they need. He allows six days for work and gives the seventh for rest, worship, and prayer.
According to Luther’s Small Catechism, we are to fear, love, and trust in God, so that we may be rested and refreshed; not only by our taking time away from unnecessary work, but especially by gathering with the people of God to worship, pray, and hear God’s Word as it is preached and to receive the Sacrament of the Altar which is the Holy Communion of Christ’s precious body and blood.
Remembering the Sabbath begins with God’s people gathering as a community. We celebrate the love that God so freely gives to the world. Remembering the Sabbath day means we remember God is the source of our very lives and livelihood. Keeping it holy means we gather with the saints for worship and thanksgiving.
As we consider this commandment, remember to pray for those who are under stress from overwork, sleepless nights, and driven by the urgency of a fallen and broken world. Pray for those who work in this noisy, busy world. Pray for anyone who might feel abandoned, neglected, or lost. Pray for our church family, that we might overcome any differences we have, objections, or grudges and live together in the peace of Christ. And finally, pray that for one day in seven, all may find peace and quiet, so that they may also hear the whispering voice of God calling them to rest, to refresh themselves by drinking from the living water of Christ Jesus, dwelling in his gospel where all may find peace.
As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, we have the opportunity to renew our commitment to striving toward keeping God’s Ten Commandments, especially toward our commitment to keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Let this be our prayer throughout the season.
Holy God, you give your people one day in seven to rest from work, that we may gather in faith to worship you, to pray and to give you thanks. Strengthen us in faith that we may keep the Sabbath holy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
I hope to see many of you as we continue toward the cross of Good Friday and the Empty tomb of Easter.
God bless you all with His peace and presence,
Pastor David Nuottila
