Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2
Leviticus 5:1 “‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.
This makes me think of the world today where so many people don't want to "get involved" when they see some kind of injustice being done. It is usually based on fear of what might happen. When we are in New York city on the subway during rush hour packed into the car a young person turned around and smacked an older man for "pushing" him. Now this guy did nothing and everyone was bumping into everyone because the car was packed shoulder to shoulder. The older man looked confused and frightened and the younger man was angry and escalating quickly. I started to say something about it when my husband grabbed me and pulled me back. "Don't you could get shot". Lord God forgive me for not speaking into that situation. I know that you are faithful and just and that if I were to have do the right thing you would honor that and protect me.
Mark 2:27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
More Sabbath focus. The sermon at the Ashe Wednesday service was also about Sabbath Rest. I have been looking to this weekend knowing that my Saturday is scheduled up and that cannot be my Sabbat. I have really enjoyed and experienced great blessing from the last 2 Saturday Sabbaths. I have not been considering Sunday my Sabbath because I have youth group on Sunday nights and often spend time during the day working to prepare things for that. I also usually spend the day with my nephew so my focused extended quiet time with God and time to just rest that I have enjoyed the last 2 Saturdays does not usually happen. I have been asking God if there is a way for me to honor the Sabbath on Sunday. Sunday we usually go out to eat so no need to cook. My nephew has plans this Sunday so I will have time. I can and will come home after and spend time with God and resting. I will not work of youth group work, housework, or church work. He has given me the ability for Sunday to be my Sabbath this week.
Mark 3:4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
One of the things I was unsure about was, with me being the youth group leader on Sunday nights should I consider that work. Today He shows me that if my heart is to love those kids it is doing good so it absolutely can be part of my Sabbath as long as I take the time for myself to rest and direct my focus on God as well throughout the day because “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
Thank you Lord for giving me so much time with you lately and reminding me to stop being so legalistic and look at my heart and my motivations.
I look back to the scripture above from Leviticus and think that it all comes down to doing what is "good" not just on the Sabbath but every day. Who knows on that day on the subway had I done what was good maybe I could have been part of saving a life that day. It is possible that I missed out on an opportunity to join God in revealing His love to someone on that train that day. I know that I will face the truth of that day at the judgement seat. Thank you Lord for your grace and forgiveness when I fail to respond to your prompting. Please give me eyes to see, ears to hear, the words to speak and the actions to do what is good, right and pleasing to You.
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