Scripture: Exodus 16:22-24
On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, two omers apiece. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, he said to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord; bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.’” So they put it aside until morning, as Moses commanded them; and it did not become foul, and there were no worms in it.
Thought for the Day: Most of us have never had to do all the work associated with planting, growing, harvesting and preparing our food. Oh sure, some of us might have had a garden from which we were able to create a nice vegetable medley or grow some of the ingredients for a delicious BLT (minus the bacon). Yet for most of us, if the cupboards are a bit empty, we head to a grocery store where we buy the necessities…or, swing through the Drive-Thru for something a bit less healthy. In the Wilderness, the Israelites were gatherers of what God and the earth provided. The process of bringing food to the table was a full-time job, and it required most all the family members. Yet even amidst this demanding survivalist existence, God provided a means by which a day of rest was possible. Taking the Sabbath seriously requires both the graciousness of God and the purposeful planning on our part. For those who are not deliberate, the taking of Sabbath as a Spiritual Discipline will slip away.
Prayer: I cannot be clairvoyant and avoid all surprises, but with your help, Lord, I can strive toward a life that makes room for Sabbath Rest. Amen.
Sunday’s Sermon:
An Outrageous Sabbath
