Words of Reflection
As our Lenten journey enters its final days, we see the city of Jerusalem in the distance and we know what is coming soon. Like Peter, we may feel the impulse to avoid what lies ahead (Matthew 16:22), but we know it can’t be avoided. Jesus is resolute. He invites us to be the same.
But before we continue our journey, today is Sunday, another “mini-Easter” break in our 40 day fast of meditation, repentance, and remembrance. On Sundays we are reminded that the journey to the cross does not end at the cross, and we rejoice in that truth with all that we are.
On Sundays, as is appropriate and biblical, we are also invited to cease our laboring. It is a “Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9), a time of refreshing in the presence of the one who loves us most. But we don’t always enter into that rest, if we’re honest. We may find it hard to embrace at any time of year, but perhaps it’s even a bit harder during Lent. Our desire to be resolute and committed can be hard to switch off and put aside. In fact, if we’re not careful, Sabbath-keeping can become the very last thing it was meant to be: a burden.
In her article, “” writer and teacher K.C. Ireton defines Sabbath this way:
“Sabbath is margin and gift and joy. Sabbath is soaking myself—or rather, letting myself be soaked—in the unmerited, unmeritable grace of God.”
Margin. Gift. Joy. Letting ourselves be soaked in the unmerited, unmeritable grace of God. These are good truths to embrace during Lent, one which, if we let it sink in deep, will impact our experience of Sabbath at any season of the calendar.
Today, wherever you may find yourself, you are invited to let it resonate deep in your soul. Embrace the Sabbath rest to which God calls you. Hear spoken to you the same invitation Jesus gave to his disciples:
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”—Mark 6:31(NIV)
Scripture for Meditation:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
—Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Song: You Give Rest
You give rest to the weary
You bring strength to the weak
As they wait in Your presence
There is grace for their needSo I'll wait
I'll wait yes I'll wait
I'll wait for YouI will say of the Lord
He is my refuge
I will say of the Lord
He is my strength
I will say of the Lord
He is my shelter
My hiding placeYou can come in the silence
You can come in the noise
Bringing peace in a moment
Bringing comfort and joySo I'll wait
I'll wait yes I'll wait
I'll wait for YouI will say of the Lord
He is my refuge
I will say of the Lord
He is my strength
I will say of the Lord
He is my shelter
My hiding placeI will come to the source of all creation
I will drink from the well that never dries
I will draw from the One who won't grow tired
The Lord of all
Lou Fellingham | Mike Busbee | Nathan Fellingham
© 2005 Thankyou Music; The Livingstone Collective
Questions for Contemplation:
How are you at receiving the gift of rest on the Sabbath? Do you find that rhythm easy or difficult? How might God be inviting you to enter it in a new way this Lenten season?
Theologian Marva Dawn names four practices that help us “reclaim” the Sabbath. Spend some time meditating on which have already been meaningful for you, and which you might find ways to incoporate into your Sabbath-keeping.
Ceasing
Resting
Embracing
Feasting
Read this quote about Sabbath and let it lead you into a prayer of gratitude, joy, and “celebratory space.”
“Theologically speaking, every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Every Sunday is a celebration of unmerited, unmeritable grace. Sabbath is an invitation to live in that celebratory space. I want to accept the invitation. I want to live in Sabbath grace more often, more fully. I want to live in Sabbath joy, the joy of receiving a great, big, unearned gift.”—K.C. Ireton