A Call to Authentic Sabbath Worship (06/21/'24) -Message

A Call to Authentic Sabbath Worship Dear Congregation, Today, we reflect on the true essence of the Sabbath and the call to authentic worship. In the serene embrace of Sabbath rest, we seek a worship that transcends mere rituals and hymns. A Sabbath true, where hearts are unburdened, speaking the language of compassion and justice. Not just in song or solemn prayer, but in the love and justice we bear. For worship that does not lead to neighborly compassion and justice cannot be faithful worship of YHWH. The offer is a phony Sabbath. In this sacred pause, our hands reach out, wide and open, embracing those the world has cast aside. We cannot claim a genuine Sabbath if we meet our neighbor’s need with indifference or blame. True Sabbath calls us to cease our toil, to let our burdens fall. It is a withdrawal from Pharaoh’s anxious grip, a time to find peace in YHWH’s fellowship. Sabbath is more than grand rituals or solemn assemblies. It is in the stopping, in the stillness, that we break the chains of relentless will. No longer driven by the might of production, we seek the gentle dawn of Sabbath light. Our lives are not for gain or greed but for the love that flows in every deed. In the quiet of the Sabbath, we discover a worship that aligns our souls with YHWH’s heart. A worship that rises and blends with justice and mercy, extending without end. It is in this rest that we find our true alignment, breaking free from the systems that bind us to endless anxiety and consumption. So let our worship be more than solemn guise. Let it be a call to action, a manifestation of love that never dies. In every act, in all we do, let our Sabbath be pure and true. This is the call to authentic Sabbath worship, where justice and compassion are not just ideals but lived realities, bringing us into deeper communion with the divine and each other. As we gather today, let us remember that the Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a profound opportunity to realign our lives with God’s will. Let our worship inspire us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. In doing so, we honor the true spirit of the Sabbath and draw closer to the heart of YHWH. Blessings, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)