“They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. ‘He put mud on my eyes,’ the man replied, ‘and I washed, and now I see.'”
“Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.'” John 9:13-16 (NIV)
Jesus placed the needs of others above the legalistic views of the Pharisees. He was willing to do something helpful and holy on the Sabbath. Yet, Jesus was criticized for his actions.
What are you willing to do on the Sabbath? What kind of Saturday will you experience? Sometimes the most spiritual activity you can embrace on a Saturday is to disconnect from the rush and routine of your everyday life. Maybe a day of rest could be the healing that Jesus desires to give you.
For you it may mean turning your cell phone off. It may mean carving out time to simply not be available or accessible for anyone.
Jesus embraced the discipline of getting away from the crowds and the tugs of life. He frequently went up on a mountainside to commune with our Heavenly Father. Yet, Jesus was willing to seize the opportunity to extend personal touch ministry. Because of His willingness to embrace a Sabbath rest, He had something to give those in need.
What does your day look like? Are you over extended or over committed? Have you said “yes” too much and not said “no” enough? May God give you Sabbath rest!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care