Links for today’s readings:
Read: Exodus 31 Listen: (2:32) Read: Luke 13 Listen: (5:02)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 31.1-6, 12-13
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:
12 Then the Lord said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.
Reflection: Work-Sabbath Balance
By John Tillman
The work on the Tabernacle was important.
The Tabernacle was a masterwork of design, architecture, construction, and artistry of all kinds. The chief artisan, Bezalel, is the first person described in the Bible as being “filled with the Spirit of God.” God specially gifted all the skilled workers and artists to create the Tabernacle.
The work was not frivolous decor. It was a foundational statement about God’s holiness. The designs were not simple whimsy. They were weighty with glory. The artistry was not optional beauty. It opened eyes to heavenly realities.
When God is the architect, every hammer strike is holy. Every cut of the chisel shapes theological reality. Every stitch of embroidery binds together heaven and earth. Yet despite the work’s importance, God reminded the people not to forsake the Sabbath.
The importance of work must not overshadow the holiness of rest. The more “important” we think our work is, the more likely we are to forget or forsake the principles of “sabbath.” Are we too lax about observing Sabbath? Are we too lazy about holy rest?
I’m writing this devotional on a Saturday, the traditional day of Sabbath. Later, I have some other work planned. Do you mow your lawn on Saturday or Sunday? Do you catch up on work or take an extra shift on the weekends? Should we all be dragged out and stoned?
Jesus taught that Sabbath is for humans, not God. He did not follow the rigid rules of Sabbath but did model getting away from “work” to rest and pray. Jesus understands the pressure of work encroaching on rest. At least once, Jesus attempted to withdraw with his disciples to rest, but “work” (over 5,000 people) followed him into the wilderness. (Matthew 14.13-21; Luke 9.10-12)
There are two errors to avoid. Don’t fool yourself that your “work” is important enough to forsake rest. Don’t fool yourself that “rest” means doing nothing.
Sabbath is our Tabernacle. It is a special space and time to show and experience God’s glory. Make Sabbath beautiful, not boring. Make Sabbath a blessing in your life, not a guilt-ridden requirement or a stress-inducing limit. When God is the architect of your life, every task, even rest, is holy.
The Sabbath is a good day to save life, a good day to heal, a good day to bless. (Mark 2.27; Luke 6.9) “Clock in” with Jesus for both work and rest. Do good on the Sabbath.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for my hope has been in you. — Psalm 25.20
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.
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