From the Pulpit: ‘Seek your rest and source in the One who gave you life’

There is a story told of a wagon train on its way from St. Louis to Oregon. Its members were devout Christians, so the whole group observed the habit of stopping for the Sabbath day. Winter was approaching quickly, however, and some among the group began to panic in fear that they wouldn’t reach their destination before the heavy snow came. Consequently, several members proposed to the rest of the group that they should quit their practice of stopping for the Sabbath and continue driving onward seven days a week.

This proposal triggered a lot of contention in the community, so finally it was suggested that the wagon train should split into two groups – those who wanted to observe the Sabbath and those who preferred to travel on that day. The proposal was accepted, and both groups set out and traveled together until the next Sabbath day, when one group continued while the other remained at rest.

Guess which group got to Oregon first? You’re right. The ones who kept the Sabbath reached their destination first. Both the people and the horses were so rested by their Sabbath observance that they could travel much more vigorously and effectively the other six days of the week. (Story credit-Christian Globe Illustrations, by Laurence Veinott).

Jesus states in Mark chapter two that God’s Law is given for the good of mankind. We observe the fourth commandment to our blessing, or ignore it to our short- and long-term detriment. One of the most profound ironies in our modern world is that no law or letter of God’s Word has ever been disproved or debunked.  

Is your life moving at a pace that you find hard to sustain? May I suggest taking a break, resting from your labors and spend some time with gratitude considering the One who gave you life and the capacity to work. In the central message of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus promises that if we make His kingdom our primary concern, we will have all we need from day to day (Matt. 6:33). My prayer and encouragement is that you seek your rest and source in the One who gave you life (Hebrews 4).