A Worthy Journey, A Sabbath Finish
Along our journey, the Psalmist’s Road Maps have led us to God’s assurances of rest, restoration, regeneration, sustenance and more. Interestingly, many Psalms have also provided us caution signs. Tragically in life, we sometimes speed past “DANGER AHEAD!” on paths paved by the promises of mankind.
God places those yellow warnings throughout the Psalms and along our way… evidence of his eternal care for our souls. As we complete this worthy journey, we will recognize the One who invites our souls to Sabbath with him. Our road map wonderfully illustrates a Sabbath of praise, peace, joy, creativity and holiness with God. And, while God’s pure desire and design for Sabbath is void of all danger, complacency, flesh and fear, we will pass by a yellow caution sign or two!
Loading up for the Trip
Psalm 92: A Psalm for the Sabbath Day. This will be our last road map for Summer 2020. Before we set out, please “load-up” and familiarize yourself with the nuance and beauty of road we’ll be traveling. Read (and reread!) Psalm 92 in one or two different versions. Maybe you’d also like to check-out these three unique musical expressions of this Psalm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jERlH2pg7e4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZHl37-EE0w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hdG1aXlExI&index=4&list=PLZYRmRE0hVgxYlQdDq5aSppaHd3MF98kP
Rest Stop
For much of my born-again life I’ve regarded the Sabbath as the day I sleep later than usual, do church, watch sports, eat comfort food, and perhaps (worst-case scenario) wrap up any dangling chores from Saturday. Lately I’m recognizing a profound truth. If my soul, the ultimate expression of all I am, is not resting and rejoicing with the Creator, both HE and I miss out on the Sabbath he intended. Have my routines and the attitudes of my soul come to cost me God’s design for Sabbath? And, could Sabbath describe more than just one day each week?
In Genesis 2:1-3, God rested in and celebrated with the pinnacle of his Creation. He established that first Sabbath (btw: there is no morning or night for the seventh day), called it holy, rejoiced in his completed work, and reclined alongside Adam in the glorious Garden of Eden. A stunningly familiar pathway emerges as God’s story continues. Next (the Gospels), Jesus completed his work on the cross, and offered sonship-like rest to all who trust in him. Finally (the Revelation), we discover God has prepared the Sabbath of all Sabbaths in his Holy City. There’s even a restored Eden! His desire and designs remain the same. He’s always inviting, ”Come, rest, be with me!”
God made the Sabbath to rest with us. Ours soul are being called to find pleasure and peace in all he is and does. He is looking to celebrate with you and me. He’s anxious to smile with us. He wants to praise the spirit-led, creative works of our life. As we cry out our love for him, he wants our souls to hear, “Well done.”
Tangible Task
Get with someone you love and ask God to show you the Sabbath he intends for your souls. Be willing to consider routines or anything else that could distract from the Sabbath he wants to spend with you. Then, gather to discuss the condition of your soul and celebrate with other sons and daughters of God. It is good to praise the LORD!