Our News.

Just hearing the word “summer” immediately brings to mind images of rest… the sea, carefree days, far from work and obligations. How precious these vacation days are for all of us!

Recently, while studying the 10 commandments, I paused at the 4th commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy;” (Exodus 20:8). I was struck, as I had not noticed the words: ‘remember’ and ‘keep holy’. God asked the Israelites to remember and set apart the seventh day. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”

God did not simply ask them to sit and do nothing, as the Pharisees later mistakenly believed, but for it to be a day of rest from all work. After 6 days of hard work to secure the necessities for their survival, the Lord asked them to keep the seventh day holy. Not to work during it to gain more, but to thank Him for everything He had done in their lives, as well as for what He would provide in the future. To remember His works, His grace, and His goodness. To speak His Word among themselves.

How good and wise is the God of the universe who commanded us to rest, just as He did. “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:11).

Today, God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, asks the same of us. This summer, during these vacation days, let us rest in Him and recharge our spiritual batteries with His Word. Let us remember the works He has done in our lives this year, and let us rest in the promises He has given us for our lives, for He is faithful!