Sabbath rest

Today’s Reading: John 5:16-17(NIV)

16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted Him. 17 Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

I encountered an amazing Sabbath rest while attending a seminar yesterday at the Missouri Area Conference Office in Columbia. Our Bishop, Robert Schnase, spoke about the purpose and vision for his new book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. I listened intently to the Bishop’s compelling words. I relaxed in a warm and inviting meeting area, sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of hot coffee in hand, served in a glass coffee mug, while snacking on warm, homemade granola. It was the coldest day of the year in Missouri, and I appreciated the warmth inside. I rested, while our Conference Staff worked hard to provide a radically hospitable and welcoming environment for all who came to learn. Our Bishop didn’t get a day off to rest. He spoke for two hours, expressing his deep conviction and desire to somehow to reach the people in Missouri with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His urgency compelled all of us to get out there and do the same. We need to follow in this man’s footsteps. He travels many miles every week to share, motivate and inspire Christians to emulate Christ in their lives. He has a horrific schedule to keep. It was obvious to me that the Holy Spirit has given him supernatural strength to move forward in faith each day.

Aren’t you grateful knowing that while God took time to rest on the Sabbath, He never stopped doing good? Our Lord leads us by example. Every heart needs time away to rest and regroup from the drama of our daily routine. We see Christ making time to pray and celebrate intimate relationship with His Father. Yet, His hospitality and welcome does not end during a Sabbath rest. Christ continues to do good, love freely, and offer forgiveness to all who seek Him. Should we not offer our very best to the ones who come to worship in our sanctuaries each weekend?

Bishop Schnase said, “The most important hour of each week in the life of our visitors is the worship hour.” How will we welcome the Lord’s guests to worship today? Will we lead by the example of Jesus? He was not afraid to speak to those who were seeking Him out, answer their prayers, heal the sick and forgive sin, especially on the Sabbath. Thank God for His mercy and grace that is available to all of us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Radical hospitality is the key to emulate Christ’s unconditional love for all. How will you choose to share the love of Jesus with the people you meet in worship today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Teach me, Father, to be radically hospitable, expressing Your unconditional love for all people every day of the week, but especially on the Sabbath, when we come to honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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