Break Our Hearts! Practicing Compassion Together. Sample

Today we will read about Holy Saturday.

This is a day where we, the people of God remember our call to rest and observe the Sabbath in a very special and meaningful way.

As you prepare to read today’s Word, here is an excerpt from an article* written by Chad Bird on 4 ½ Hebrew words to know for Holy Week

In the beginning, when God finished creating the world, he rested on the seventh day, a Saturday. This is the Sabbath (more precisely pronounced "Shabbat"), which is the Hebrew word for “rest.” In the OT, the Sabbath was the weekly remembrance not only of God’s creative work (Exod. 20:11), but his redeeming work (Deut. 5:15). Genesis (creation) and Exodus (redemption) are remembered thus every Sabbath.

Both creation and redemption coalesce in Jesus. Having finished all his work of redeeming the world, having completed his re-creation of humanity, he rested in the tomb of death on the seventh day.

“It is finished,” he said. His work was finished. So he took his rest. This was his Sabbath.

And it is a Sabbath with no conclusion. His resurrection ushers us into the Sabbath that creation has been awaiting since Genesis. We who are weak and heavy laden come to Jesus, and he Sabbaths us in himself.

*1517.org, 4 1/2 Hebrew Words To Know.

Today’s Prayer of Illumination:

God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out on me the spirit of wisdom and understanding that my heart and mind may be opened. Lord Jesus, as I follow you today, help me practice compassion, break my heart for what breaks yours. Amen