“On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.” Luke 6.6-11
It is no coincidence that two passages on the Sabbath came up just as I am on a Sabbath retreat. Now my Sabbath looks a lot different than what the Jews might practice, but not dissimilar. My Sabbath is intentional time with God and with other guys in the mountains of Colorado. This is our final day to rest, connect, eat, and worship together.
During the Sabbath in the story, Jesus goes into the synagogue and there he teaches. He is not there just to receive a word; he is not there only to rest, but he is working in a sense—fulfilling his mission by teaching. My Sabbath here, in comparison, is pouring into others while asking the Lord to pour into me.
Yet during Jesus’ teaching there was a man with a hand that was shriveled, and you know the rest of the story. Jesus heals the man’s hand, defying the authority of those who were extremely rigid about the Sabbath. He says, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” Then he says, “Stretch out your hand.” And instead of celebrating the restoration that came on the Sabbath, they were furious with him.
God has done a work during our Sabbath week. He is restoring brokenness, forgiving sin, bringing healing. During this week, God is doing a work that only he can do. Some people might not like the fact that these men—some pastors and lay leaders—are taking a break. But their restoration is essential. God is doing a work amid our time of rest.
Now as for my role, it is sometimes to lead, sometimes to guide, sometimes to teach, sometimes to listen. It is work as well as rest. It is a fulfillment of my calling. And I am seeing these men meet with Jesus. What a wonderful time it has been. God never fails to meet with people who choose to meet with him.
So you can have Sabbath too. Take time to talk to God, open your Bible, meditate on his word. He will bring the necessary restoration into your life this day.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me and for the beauty of your grace and love. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power. Help me know the truth of your Word on this week of Sabbath. I praise you, Lord, and glorify your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen