Mark [2:23]-24, Lev. 25:1-7, 18-22
I have a statement to make: “I can’t fish or hunt on a Sunday.” There, I said it in public. I rarely say that out loud in South Georgia, the land of hunting and fishing. But, it is something my dad taught me in my childhood and if I try to go against that teaching today, I feel as if God Himself is thumping me on my shoulder and saying “Now Clint, you know this ain’t right.” (And yes, I believe God uses the word ain’t because He speaks to us in the ways we can understand Him). So, what’s my point?
My dad hunted a lot. He fished even more. He loved the Satilla river and the Okefenokee region. But, one day when I was young and bored and wanted to hit the river and fish some, he told me that even the fish and animals need a break and we would stay home on Sundays. He lived by that all of his life so far as I know. My farming relatives taught me that the land needs a break every once in a while or it’ll stop producing well. So, here’s my point: All things (including mankind) need a Sabbath break from time to time.
In Mark 2, Jesus taught us that the Sabbath was made for man. God rested on the Sabbath in Genesis 2. And a teaching of Leviticus 25 tells us that the land needs a Sabbath break and if it is given that break to rest, mankind benefits. All things need a break to rest occasionally. Are you resting as you should? Are you taking time to rest, relax, meditate, enjoy your family and your God? Rest can be needed physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. We can wear ourselves out physically playing softball or flag football with the family and yet feel totally rested later that day.
Many missionaries, especially newer ones on the field of service, are often encouraged to take a Sabbath from the internet and social media for a few days every so often in order to distress and relax. A Sabbath type of rest can come in different forms.
The idea of the Sabbath is for our good. It’s not a punishment, it’s a blessing. I say, go for it!
Clint Bowman