Daily Devotion for Day 32 of Lent 2016

Scripture Reading: Exodus 31 (NRSV)

Out of all of the Ten Commandments, it is interesting that God reiterates the Sabbath law here.  It is a reminder before Moses brings the Law to the people that God expects them to take this seriously.

Resting with a friend can be even more relaxing.

Resting on the seventh day whether it is a Saturday or a Sunday is likely an oft broken command.  People's schedules today are so crowded that we find it difficult to take off any time at all.  When people have a day off, they often feel guilty if they are not being productive in some manner.

It seems like there are many sleep studies lately that tie good rest with health and longevity.  Yet even with this positive data, many people are choosing to intrude upon their sleep with reading, playing games on their tablet, cruising the internet or watching television or videos.  I would venture that when these encroach on your normal bed time that they are not even that important.

Sometimes we put off going to sleep because we know the busy schedule will soon resume.

If we can't commit a decent amount of time for nightly rest, how could we possibly commit a whole day?   Does God retain this expectation today?

Maybe God knows what's good for us better than we want to admit to ourselves.