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We Are Designed To Rest Before We Grow
by Eric Elkin
Isaiah asks us to "act justly and do what is righteous." These are simple words to live by, if you know what they mean. As we turn the corner of living a year in the "Corona-verse," I think of all the conflicting advice I've heard this past year. Persons in positions of authority have presented contradictory advice about how to act justly and righteously. The longer we go, the more clarity I find. Yet, to be honest, I am still confused.
A year ago, we wore gloves and masks to shop for groceries. We wiped down everything we purchased with a bleach solution before putting them in the car. Some people did not believe this to be just behavior. We decided to err on the side of caution. Experts warned of public bathroom exposure to the virus. Our church responded by closing our bathrooms to public use.
In those early days, I encountered people who thought masks were a sign of injustice. They felt social distancing an act of oppression. They held a belief that any restriction of behavior was an example of government control. If I was not doing as they were doing, I was acting unjustly.
Add to this confusing situation the role of being a pastor. The bible is filled with passages like Isaiah 56:2, "Happy is the one who keeps the Sabbath." Yes, I do keep the sabbath, but some say I am not. To the critics, the sabbath requires in-person worship, singing, and praying. Those who close their doors are not acting justly or righteously.
I never realized how hard it would be to write these words today. Reflecting on the journey of this past year leaves me feeling so utterly empty. Thankfully, a light broke through the grey clouds of my thoughts. My salvation is coming soon are words of hope to soothe a weary soul.
The frost is slowly leaving the soil. In the days ahead, Spring rains will erase the last remnants of snow. Already, buds appear in the tops of trees. When our growing zone finally turns warm, new life will emerge from the dormant ground. Like our salvation, new life is coming soon.
Last fall, Peggy purchased some native wildflower seeds for me. These seeds have remained in cold storage this winter. I had to be careful not to let them get warm. The seeds would have mistaken the warmth as a sign to germinate. Seeds are designed to rest before growing.
We, like all things in the natural world, are designed to rest before we grow. Those who argue against stopping in-person worship forget one thing. Sabbath is not about going to church. Sabbath is about taking a rest from the chaos of life to renew our souls. It is a dormant season to allow for growth and new life.
In the Church, worship is intended to be a break from the chaos. We take a sabbath to open our ears to hear of God's steadfast presence. The break from our regular routine opens our eyes to see our salvation is coming soon. Every season ends with new life. It is this promise which shapes our days and deeds in peace.
Click to read Isaiah 56: 1-5
Reflection Questions:
What does “act justly” mean to you?
When has your understanding conflicted with someone else’s understanding?
Where do you see new life unfolding?
Where do you find rest?