Earlier this week, I watched Rob Bell's video, Everything is Spiritual. His teaching was nothing short of brilliant. Many points he made keep bouncing through my head. But one in particular caused me to stop and ponder.
About rest.
And being.
And doing.
In Old Testament times, the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt worked seven days a week. Even though God prescribed one day in every seven to rest, the slaves toiled non-stop under Pharaoh's whip.
One by one, they produced bricks by the tens and hundreds and thousands. Monotonous. Endless. They had to meet daily quotas or face punishment.
Basically, their value came from making bricks. They were only worth as much as they produced.
In His perfect timing, God rescued His children from slavery and reminded them of His initial instruction:
"Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during
the plowing season and harvest you must rest." Exodus 34:21
the plowing season and harvest you must rest." Exodus 34:21
Work for six days, then rest on the seventh. Even during the busiest seasons. It likely took them some time to readjust their mental dials.
By mandating rest, God taught them that their value didn't come from what they produced. That they weren't merely brick makers.
Fast forward to today. How does your work ethic imitate the Hebrews? I don't need to guess your recurring tasks. You know them. You do them. Over and over. Every day. Feeling obligated to complete all that's been added to an already full plate. And then some.
Yet God gives the instruction to work for six days, then set aside one day for rest. To take one day each week to remind yourself that you're not a machine.
To just BE.
Be with Him.
Rest. Reflect. Play.
God created us to function as human BEings. Not human DOings.
God did not mean for His children to go non-stop until they drop. Depleted from lack of rest. Dehydrated from lack of refreshment by His living water.
God created us for relationship. With Him. With each other. To live in community. To develop lasting bonds.
To BE.
Even during the busiest seasons. Perhaps, especially then.
There's plenty of time for work. Setting aside one day every seven to disengage from the world's chaos makes the other six manageable. Not so overwhelming.
It may take some time to recalibrate toward rest, but we need that undistracted time with Him. And with loved ones.
God doesn't love you for what you can produce. Your value doesn't come from bricks. Or your job. Your completed projects. Your ministry numbers. Or your volunteer base.
You have been rescued and redeemed as a child of the one true God.
He simply, profoundly loves you.
I pray you take time this week to simply BE.
"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him." Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
Do you set aside a day to rest? What gets in the way? How would your life improve by taking one day in seven to rest?
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Such a convicting post, Donna.
ReplyDeleteI do try to incorporate rest -- sabbath -- into my life.
But I've never heard the analogy between the Hebrew slaves and making bricks and our need for rest -- being vs. doing.
This is a keeper post. A need to be re-read and acted upon post.
Interesting, I blogged about bricks today too -- but in a completely different way.
:O)
I agree, Beth. I have to power down every electronic device except my iPod to truly accomplish rest. I'd never heard that slave/brick analogy before he mentioned it either. That was the impetus for this whole post. Hit me right between the eyes! Thanks for your encouragement. Seriously? You blogged about bricks today? I missed that! Headed over to check it out now. :)
DeleteOh what a timely post! We talk tonight about the shoes of peace and of course as you know we will talk about all the gadgets in our lives that keep us away from spending time with the Lord. (That was convicting enough) but when I think of even my Sabbath day..the things I do and don't do (like truly rest) it saddens me. Sunday is our family day as well. A day to relax with the kids and grands and enjoy. But I find myself so often hurrying around like a chicken with their neck cut off trying to get EXTRA things done or accomplished in which none really have any value to it. Oh mercy, Donna, Thanks for this post! Needed today! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteIsn't it true that Sunday family/church days can seem even more busy? Our Martha shows through on those days out of love for them. Thanks so much for sharing your insights. Blessings, Cindy!
DeleteHow true the need for rest! This year I have really been trying to remember the Sabbath. Yes, Sunday morning is busy with work as church musician, but afterwards I take time to relax or do something with my family simply for pure enjoyment. It really has made a difference in my life!
ReplyDeleteSharla, how wonderful that you intentionally set Sabbath rest for this year - and that you can see the benefits! God is so very good. Hugs!
DeleteAWESOMENESS here! I rest on Sundays and I guard that day like a Doberman. We so need it. BEings not DOings. That's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou make me grin from ear to ear, Jessica. I love the mental picture of guarding rest like a Doberman. SuhWEEET!! Thanks for your encouragement. :)
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