Time Needed!

There is a tendency, as some go about the day-to-day activities of life, to forget about God and even forget about what is best for themselves. When God revealed His law for the nation of Israel, He established that which would provide blessing and the best life for His people. God’s regulations were intended to help maintain a proper relationship between Him and the nation, as well as the people with each other.

Among the commands given we read…
“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.” ( Exodus 34:21 ESV)

Sabbath means “rest” and under the Old Law the designated day of rest was the seventh day, correlating with the day following God’s completed work of creation. ( Exodus 20:11) Though mankind often neglects it for various reasons, there is a need for REST TIME and FOCUS TIME. Under the law it was clearly stated it did not matter what else was going on; even during the busy time of plowing or the busy time of harvest the Sabbath was to be kept! It did not matter how pressing the work of the season might have been, the Sabbath was to be taken! It was established for man’s benefit ( Mark 2:27); providing REST TIME for family, servants, and even the livestock ( Exodus 20:10) and thus to protect all from being overworked. It was also to be recognized as being “a solemn rest, holy to the Lord” ( Exodus 35:2); FOCUS TIME on Him with a trust for His continuing provision.

We are not under the same Sabbath law today. ( Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 10:4; Hebrews 7:12) However, there is still the need for not allowing the activities of life to consume us to the point specific time for God is crowded out and we fail to take time out to REST AND REFOCUS. The Israelites were not to say, “But I’ve got to get the ground plowed up.” or “I’ve got to get the seed planted.” or “Everything is ripe and I’ve got to get the harvest in.” Rather, they were to obey God’s command and observe the Sabbath while trusting His provision from the labors of the other six days. Why should it be any different with us? With all the modern conveniences and rapid speed at which we can get much accomplished today, why do so many have trouble setting aside the time for God, for fellowship and worship, and for one another? What is so “urgent” that some better planning on our part could not remedy? Every person receives the same number of minutes and hours for each day. God knows how our time is spent and what our choices are based upon. He also knows how we make time for that which we most desire to do!

The Hebrew writer admonished…
“(24) And let us consider how to STIR UP ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS, (25) NOT NEGLECTING TO MEET TOGETHER, as is the habit of some, but ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” ( Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

The benefit of withdrawing from the busyness of life is for self, for family, for our brethren, and to keep a focus properly set on God. The first day of the week -- correlating with our Lord’s resurrection ( John 20:1) and the beginning of His church ( Acts 2) -- should hold special significance to us. If we don’t plan, but rather only give God whatever time (if any) is left over, we display little appreciation for all the ways in which He has brought blessing into our life. Let us not neglect the opportunity provided for REST TIME and FOCUS TIME. It will glorify God, encourage others, and bring refreshment to ourselves in many ways.

Have a great day FINDING GOD’S BLESSINGS IN SETTING ASIDE THE TIME!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Priorities