Is it any wonder that so few outside the church want to join us on our somber spiritual trek? What nerve we display when we sanctimoniously declare our Spirit-squelching services, “worship” and what arrogance we betray when we lift up decency and order as the hallmark of true faith!
In congregational sabbath we stop working so hard at being in control and take joy in realizing we are not in control. As a result, our congregational sabbath might be a little messy. There is no doubt that it will be less scripted. In fact we are given permission and commission by a joyous itinerant carpenter to give up our control and embrace a more child-like faith. Become more spontaneous. In congregational sabbath, we will be asked to surrender our throne and remember that the Lord of the Sabbath is also the Lord of our lives.
It is radical. It appears to us, irresponsible. Like the second round of Cana wine. However, Jesus is the one that came to save stiff-necked and stubborn people from being too serious. He was one that reminded us to have the faith and the wonder and the joy of a child; concerned not just with global warming, or international politics, or cancer, but also with the long faces of his parents. “Are you happy?” my three year old asks.
It is radical. It appears to us, irresponsible. Like the second round of Cana wine. However, Jesus is the one that came to save stiff-necked and stubborn people from being too serious. He was one that reminded us to have the faith and the wonder and the joy of a child; concerned not just with global warming, or international politics, or cancer, but also with the long faces of his parents. “Are you happy?” my three year old asks.
“Are you happy?” our Savior asks us. After all, the way has been opened for us to come back to Eden . It is time for us to rediscover our true purpose. Did you not know? Have you not heard? The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
It was said of the early Christians inRome :
It was said of the early Christians in
“(T)heir faith is ‘proclaimed in all the world’ (Rom. 1:8) and their ‘obedience known to all’ (
In congregational sabbath, we rediscover the joy of family and neighbors, restful and appreciative communion with God, and the blessings of a superfluous universe. In congregational sabbath we stop, even in the midst of this world of sorrow, to delight in what the Lord has made: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
In congregational sabbath, God’s pursues us through valleys of shadow; casting light, offering hope; inviting us back into His presence where we will always find joy. Congregational sabbath is much more than rest. It is God's eternal invitation to get out of our pews and lift up our hands and exchange our solemnity for something that is more substantial; to trade in our pale, predictable, programmed, and professional church services so that we might once again rejoice with the God who delights in us wherever and whomever we are.
Congregational sabbath. Less doing. More being.
Photo from www.sxc.hu 1172166
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