You ever wonder what God did on the eighth day? He created for six days as recorded in Genesis account of creation (yes I'm a literalist here, I believe they were six actual days - why? because either God can or he can't create it all in six days - if he can't - not much of a God, I have big faith - but I digress) and then it says on the seventh day that he rested. We get the sabbath from this. God rested and so he set for us a rhythm of work and rest. So today was my eighth day. I got back from a long vacation yesterday evening and it was a great Sabbath for me in many ways - not the least of which is physically (I slept for 10 nights straight about 9 hours a night - I haven't done that since before kids - sleep is a cool concept!). But now, my rest is over and I'm back to the place I love with the people I love and doing what I love to do - pastor the people of Eastview! So I was thinking today...is this feeling coming out of my rest the same thing God felt on the eighth day? Don't know, but maybe our re-entry from rest was similar.
Maybe He immersed himself in the middle of all his creation revisiting all of it and relishing in all the unique stuff - I actually wondered around the building this morning just getting the Monday-morning-empty church smell (don't ask)
Maybe He surrounded himself with people (of course there were two - but I bet he laughed with Adam and Eve and talked with them and listened to them). Because of summer vacations, mission's trips, etc... there are some staff members I saw today for the first time in almost a month. It was a sweet reunion...holy really as we hugged and laughed and caught up with each other's lives.
Maybe He got back to being God - you know, creating new mercies, causing sun to shine and rain to fall and stuff to grow and hearts to beat and lions to run and oceans to stop at the shoreline, painting a new never-seen-before sunset, tinkering with canyons and volcanoes, splashing whales, feeding birds, naming stars, creating colors, caring for the humans he created. Today, I got back to being what God made me to do. I don't come close to accomplishing all the stuff God probably did on day 8, but by his grace I got to lead some, inspire some, pray some, study some, speak some (preach really), plan some, etc... In short, it was a great day after a great rest and I'm find myself more thankful and filled with joy than ever
The irony is that I'll need another rest before Sunday - so I'll take a day off before I get to preach. I wonder if God kept the same pattern and rested on earth day number 14? I think He did because he made it holy and I think it's still holy...I think day eight is better because of day seven and I'm thankful for the rest...and I'm ready for the work!
Monday, August 9, 2010
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3 comments:
Welcome Home!
You are absolutely right that God enjoyed day eight more than day seven. While I do not have Biblical support, I do contend that God's love is the evidence.
God loved the world more than anything else. When we love something (or someone) with our whole heart, being away from it can be painful (and restful if we need sometime away). When we miss those things (or people) that we love the reunion brings all the joy and love back with the strength gained from the vacation. Just think about a time when you were away from your child, spouse, sibling, or other deeply loved person. The reunion was amazing love. I contend, since we are created in the image of God, that this is just the experience that God had on the eighth day, just as Pastor Mike experienced on Monday. Amazing love.
you were gone a long time it seemed! glad you're home safe and sound and rested!
heading to G's old stompin' grounds for some family time - won't see you sunday. hope to catch up sometime soon!
love you!
LS
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