| The story of manna and the meaning of sabbath come together - again, Brueggemann. Now the reason I tell this story is because of a little-known footnote at the end of the narrative: He said to them, "This is what the Lord has commanded: 'Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord; bake what you want to back and boil what you want to boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.'" So they put it asked until morning, as Moses commanded them; and it did not become foul, and there were no worms in it. Moses said, "Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, there will be none." (Exodus 16:23-26) Manna is daily bread for the day only. Only for the day, except for a sabbath special; provision is made because God intends and provides that normal gathering is unnecessary on the sabbath and its it prohibited. It is a day of pure gift in which no energy is to be given to meeting our deficits or our deficiencies. Sabbath requires confidence in God's provision; only the anxious who mistrust violate the day. I am really quite intrigued by this sabbath teaching. What really caught my attention here is Brueggemann's comment: "It is a day of pure gift in which no energy is to be given to meeting our deficits or our deficiencies." What does that mean? Is it right and good to invited people over for dinner simply to have the opportunity to find joy and pleasure in the company of other and to share our live - even if it mean I would be busy fixing the meal. I would say "yes." Especially if it was for the honoring the day 'as gift' by making it a non-anxious time of celebration and joy. What do you think? I know that I often use a day off or a 'sabbath' day to work and get ahead - that is not good. It is not good for me or others. This selection for the day has me tumbling around and really trying to deal with this wonder-filled invitation to rest. Connection: What do you think of the notion of a sabbath (a day of rest) banquet? Sometimes we call the Lord's Supper in worship. Then again, I really mean the regular practice of joyful eating and drinking together in observance of our God's great invitation to trust in God alone. Lord of the Day, you bring us into your rest and call us your people. We long to be there and rest in you alone and be transformed into your stewards of life - bountiful life. Be our encouragement again today. Amen. |
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