Genesis 2:1-4
This section has a theme that I feel has incredible significance for our fast paced, work worshipping, burnt out society. Rest! I have so much to learn about what true rest means and this subject seems poorly attended to in the circles I move in. Is there a difference between rest and leisure, rest and play, or rest and religious activity? So much parades itself as rest but how much really allows us to discover the nature of true rest. People talk about the Sabbath being everyday of the week in the new covenant or they marginalise talk about Sabbath rest as legalism. When I hear people talk of a God centered stillness, something resonates within me. I'm no practitioner of this ideal but I am convinced there should be a day in every week that makes time and space for a different pace of life and one that is filled with God centered activity. I feel there is a lot we could do to recapture some of the beauty of this God given concept.
This chapter also begins with a an eternal truth that must be held in mind through the painful valleys of life - God always finishes what he begins. To hold on to this through the winding road of life will be one of the keys to keep us going.
posted by James at 11/27/2005 07:04:00 PM
2 Comments:
Hey James,
Thanks for sharing all your thoughts and words of wisdom. I think you're spot on about rest. It's so vitally important to be still before God, remembering who He is and who we are in Him. It's only then we get the right perspective on the crazy world we live in. But I guess that's something we need to do everyday and not just the sabbath. But I find taking a day out of the week definately has an important if not vital role in acknowledging who God is, Lord over my life and not making a god out of my studies. What do you think the Biblical view is on how the sabbath day should be spent?
Love and miss you lots James, looking forward to seeing you at the weekend, Rilly xx
10:56 AM
Rest, yeah interesting to think about what it really is. I am struck by the comment in verse 2 that says 'God rested'. I am reminded of the verse that says that God neither slumbers nor gets weary, yet here He is said to have rested. Why? was He tired? Obviously not. I think our loving creator was showing us by example how vital it is that we fit rest into our lives. I am really struck by that as I read this, and looking at my self and my last few weeks i am seeing just how important rest is. As to what does it mean? Well i don't know, but I would say it is a complete rest, rest from physical, and intellectually draining work (rest for the body) but also as you say James, definately a time of rest for the soul. A time when we can focus on God, yes, and also a time when we can come away from the business of life and just 'be' in His presence. I know that it is this 'rest' that I have missed most these past few weeks, and I think however we do it we must fit this regularly into our schedules. As our Lord said, "Come unto me, all who are labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest". I think this rest that Genesis talks of, has to have Christ at the centre. Keep up the study James. Its a pleasure sharing it with you brother. love George
8:49 PM
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