Contemplative Bible Reading

Leviticus 23:32 (New International Version)

It is a sabbath of rest for you, and you must deny yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to observe your sabbath.”

This passage struck me as strange this morning. God is proclaiming a Sabbath day, a day of rest, one in seven to rest. He is talking about rest. Peace, quiet, and rest. Yet God discusses it in terms of denying yourselves.

This is the old law that has passed away. Still I see a principle here that applies to me today. God is telling me that there is a time to rest. God is warning me that resting may not be what I want to do. I may want to be in the rat race of competition and accomplishment 7 days a week.  God asks me to deny that drive of pride and rest once in a while.

Can you imagine that a person would choose work 7 days a week and not want to rest? I can. I have seen many other people drive themselves without rest for years. Some received earthly riches for their ceaseless drive. Some didn’t. They became tired. They all died eventually.

God,  give me the peace  of mind and heart I need to rest once in a while.