Subject: Embracing the True Spirit of the Sabbath: A Gift from God (06/01/'24) -Statement

Subject: Embracing the True Spirit of the Sabbath: A Gift from God Title: The Gift of Sabbath: A New Beginning The Sabbath is a profound gift from God to humanity, a day designed for us to lay down our worldly burdens and embrace the spirit of Exodus, recognizing that God's will is fulfilled for all of us. It signifies a new beginning each week, a time when God's will is realized on earth. The essence of the Sabbath mirrors the spirit of the Exodus, a day dedicated to declaring our freedom from all forms of bondage, echoing the liberation from Egypt. It is a commitment to never again be enslaved by anything. The Sabbath transcends mere rest, recreation, or routine religious observance. It is a day to embrace a fresh start every seven days, a time to advance forward in life, living with the spirit of the Sabbath. This day encourages us to be considerate of others and to lead a blessed life in unity, free from slavery, imbued with the Sabbath spirit. The creation of heaven and earth in seven days exemplifies the divine order of God's creation. Walter Brueggemann highlights that “Sabbath is the celebration of life beyond and outside productivity.” The Sabbath is fundamentally about ceasing from labor, withdrawing from the anxiety-driven systems of Pharaoh, and rejecting a life defined solely by production and consumption. It is about embracing the gift of God that allows every person to eat, drink, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Jesus extends this invitation: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Modern perceptions often misinterpret the Sabbath's true purpose, seeing it as a day for mere activity rather than for stillness and recognizing God's presence. The future vision for the Sabbath is a world where its significance is deeply understood, observed out of love and reverence for God. It is a day of true rest and renewal, free from life's burdens, spent in the divine presence. Poem: The Spirit of the Sabbath The Sabbath, a gift from God to man, A day to lay down burdens, to understand The will of God fulfilled, a holy plan, A new beginning graced by His command. A spirit of Exodus, a daily rite, From Egypt's chains, we take our flight, Never again in bondage, we unite, In Sabbath's spirit, find our guiding light. Not just for feasting, rest, or fun, But a leap forward when the day is done, A life with Sabbath's spirit, everyone, Considerate and blessed, beneath the sun. In seven days, creation's tale, God's order set, His love unveiled, A weekly rest where hearts prevail, And weary souls in peace exhale. Walter Brueggemann's wisdom clear, Beyond productivity, life is dear, Sabbath's first call is to adhere, To rest from Pharaoh's grip and fear. "Come to me," the Savior pleads, For those who labor, burdens heeds, "My yoke is easy," meets our needs, In humble hearts, His rest proceeds. "The Sabbath made for man," it's told, A gift we need, a truth of old, A declaration, brave and bold, From Egypt's grasp, we break the mold. Not just a day for chapel or cheer, But a new beginning, week to week, A life in Sabbath's spirit, dear, Where freedom, rest, and joy we seek. The future bright, a hopeful sight, A time to understand, to see the light, A day of rest, renewal's height, To reconnect with God’s pure might. Misunderstood in modern ways, The Sabbath's true intent conveys, Not busy acts, but stillness stays, In peace and rest, our hearts appraise. A vision forward, clear and grand, Where Sabbath's purpose we expand, Observed in love, not by command, In God's presence, together we stand. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 1, 2024)