Serious about Sabbath
Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field.” – Exodus 16:25 (NRSVUE)
On Sundays, my mother-in-law comes over for lunch after church. In the years when I served churches, I had a very low bar for the meal my family ate after worship, but in the years since I’ve fallen into various traps: My spouse preached, surely she deserves a good meal! My mother-in-law is a guest, surely I must show my skills as a cook, a baker, a hostess!
The community Moses led out of Egypt had concerns about their next meal far exceeding my 21st-century social and relational expectations. Traversing the wilderness in a multi-generational pack, they were amazed to receive what God provided. In the evening, quails came and covered the encampment, and in the morning, they found manna on the ground. The manna came with rules: gather only what you need, and double on the eve of the Sabbath, for there will be none on the Sabbath day.
It was an exercise in faith right alongside a miracle. Don’t take too much. Trust that there will be enough. Know that most days it will rot overnight, but on the Sabbath it will not.
They messed up, of course, holding onto manna that didn’t last. Moses got angry. Hadn’t he told them? God was serious about Sabbath.
Sometimes I need to hear that, too.
Wherever we are, however we live, we need a break from striving.
Prayer
God who gave manna, help us to recognize and receive the rest and nourishment you want for us. Amen.
About the AuthorMartha Spong is a UCC pastor, a clergy coach, and editor of The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle, from The Pilgrim Press.