Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 16:22-23 (New Living Translation)

22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much as usual—four quarts for each person instead of two. Then all the leaders of the community came and asked Moses for an explanation. 23 He told them, “This is what the Lord commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the Lord. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow.”

I believe this is the first Sabbath given to God’s people. The intent was clear: a day of complete rest. The rest was set apart for the Creator.

Wow. Great. Rest. Everyone welcomed it. Right? Wrong.

What is it about gifts that we struggle to accept them? God told the people, “You don’t have to gather food on the day of rest. Just sit back and relax. I’m giving you enough on the sixth day to carry you through. Just relax, folks. Really, no kidding. Relax.

We just couldn’t accept it.