Languages have always interested me. Perhaps that's why I chose to study and use German as a communication medium and, in addition, 'learn' Hebrew with Jim Briggs all those years ago, even if it was only a literal reading of Genesis 1 which is now long forgotten. One Hebrew word I still recall is שבת (pronounced shabbāt). Of course, this is the root for our English word, Sabbath. Though we understand it to mean 'rest', its literal translation is 'ceasing' with the implication of ceasing from work.
Having just returned from a week's furlough in Sydney with family, today we enjoyed a real shabbāt ~ for as we ceased from our regular form of Sunday platform ministry and corporate worship, nevertheless, we celebrated personal worship in our own 'home church'. Though a different form of Day of Rest for us, still we experienced the same heart devotion of love expressed to God.
I am convinced that full time Christian ministry makes the concept of 'ceasing from work' difficult. For when we are not officially 'on duty' we are still to be available to God for His service. We might rest from the normal schedule, but we never cease to be used of God.
Trusting your Sabbath too was one of celebration and prayer, much like ours!
Matthew 11:28 (MSG) ~ "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me ~ watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
