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The summer months have always meant that many regular church activities have gone on hiatus. This used to always boggle my mind as I thought in my most officious voice, “Well, God doesn’t take a break, why should we?!”

Then, thanks to a couple of amazing teachers, I learned about Sabbath, a time set apart, a concept handed down by God to mankind as a time of rest. That’s when I realised that God did take a break. Our Holy Lord, our Maker, in his infinite wisdom and kindness gave and continues to give us the Sabbath as a time of rest to reflect his own example shown in Genesis when He rested from all that creating and had a day off to enjoy it.

Genesis 2: 1-3 “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”  

Rest and renewal was an important enough concept that Jesus encouraged us to participate in it also. Traditionally, Sabbath has been a set day of the week-yet, I feel that for those who live and work by the church calendar, God has graciously given us the summer as our Sabbath.

Mark 2:26-28 “26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, He entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And He also gave some to his companions.”

27 Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”” (NIV)

And of course, these favourite words of Jesus, found in Matthew 11, that Dianne expanded upon in her July 5 sermon:

28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message)

The apostle Paul also urges us in the second chapter of his letter to the Colossians to relax, take time out and be kind to ourselves, remember that Jesus is our example of right living: 16-17” So don’t put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.” (The Message).

So, all that to say, Friends; it’s summer! Take a break, spend time with your loved ones if possible and rest up for what’s to come in the fall. Take time to be still, acknowledge the love and greatness of our God for you and all His creation and know that he holds you.

Please enjoy these worship offerings:

Kathleen Ferrier; "O rest in the Lord"; ELIJAH; Part II; Felix Mendelssohn, 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw2Wl4VJCNI

Be Still My Soul - A cappella - Eclipse 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqKVFYD8Obc

Be Still and Know - Steven Curtis Chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgaHaioAjyg

This is my prayer for you as you enjoy the summertime…

Loving Jesus, thank you that you call us into a time of rest and restoration. So often we work until we are exhausted and are of no use to anyone and we forget that you are the Lord of the Sabbath and long to renew our tired spirits.

Abba Father, release us for a time from busyness and frantic living. Draw us closer into your loving arms, Lord, remind us how to practice the unforced rhythms of grace.

Beautiful Saviour, gaze upon us now and bless us with rest, that we may be recreated and refreshed to joyfully recommence your Kingdom-work at the time you declare.

For your name’s sake. Amen