Lent is a time to take a broad view of our faith and
the ways we practice it. Focusing on Christian Practices allows us to consider
not just our heritage as believers, but also the manner in which we live out
our lives in Christ. Craig Dykstra writes, "Christian practices are not activities we do to make
something spiritual happen in our lives. Nor are they duties we undertake to be
obedient to God. Rather, they are patterns of communal action that create
openings in our lives where the grace, mercy, and presence of God may be made
known to us. They are places where the power of God is experienced. In the end,
these are not ultimately our practices but forms of participation in the
practice of God."[i]
Giving attention to the Sabbath is a place to begin. Dorothy
Bass explains, “Sabbath keeping is not about taking a day off but about being
recalled to our knowledge of and gratitude for God's activity in creating the
world, giving liberty to captives, and overcoming the powers of death.”[ii]
In Judaism, Sabbath
comes from the Hebrew shabbat, which means primarily to cease or desist. The Hebrews
were instructed to cease work on the Sabbath – see Lev. 23:3 – in order to
honor the covenant God. The key to experiencing the Sabbath is in recognizing
the rhythm of once every seven days. There is relief in knowing that there is
one day in every seven on which we can cease our working.
The message of Scripture is that our value lies not in what
we produce or how much we have, but in the fact we are loved by God. Isaiah
reminds us,” I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When
you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the
rivers, they will not sweep over you.” (Isa
43:1-4)
A second meaning of the Hebrew verb shabbat is “to rest.” A
day of complete physical rest gives us extra strength for the tasks of the
other six days. Many times Jesus insisted on time apart from his disciples and
the crowds. It gave him opportunity for prayer and time with God. To give
ourselves a day’s break from emotional and intellectual problems enables us to
come back to them with fresh perspectives, creative insights, and renewed
spirits.
Practicing Sabbath allows us to stop
worrying about accumulating more and to embrace the values of the Kingdom of God.
The grace of God offers stability for our lives; the word of God provides
authority; the fellowship of the church offers intimacy. These supports help us
find a sense of order, direction and hope in a chaotic world. What would it
take for you to practice Sabbath for a day, a half-day, or even two hours a week?
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