Reflections on Justiceنموونە

I’ve been sitting with the words of Proverbs 3:27-28 for a while during a sabbatical, and also whilst reading around the importance of taking a regular, God-ordained Sabbath.

These verses could stir within me a ‘call to duty’ when I’m already exhausted and weary of ‘doing good’. For example, I like to make a meal and take it around to someone who has just been bereaved, but this has happened less frequently in the busyness of church ministry. These verses could leave me with a sense of guilt or a feeling of not doing enough.

However, ‘acting justly’ also includes intentionally doing good to ourselves. Something happens to us when we take Sabbath rest. Walter Brueggemann states: ‘Sabbath is not simply the pause that refreshes. It is the pause that transforms.’ When we return to our usual work we are our best, rested, and more attentive selves. We are more able to say, ‘I’m available!’

Challenge: I wonder if you feel drawn to explore at a deeper level God’s invitation to take Sabbath rest? How might this ‘transform’ you and make you more available to act immediately?

Prayer: Lord, for the sake of others and myself, help me to accept and fall in love with your gift of Sabbath. May my ‘doings’ spring from this temple in time.