“There
remains, then, a Sabbath—rest for the people of God; for anyone who
enters
God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
Driving along a major highway, we noticed a big easy chair in the ditch that must have fallen from a truck. As we zipped by, we noticed a cat curled up in the soft pillow seat of the chair. I had to do a double-take to make sure I was seeing correctly----- a cat resting on a lazy chair in a ditch by the side of a road.
That image has stuck with me, the snapshot of an unconcerned cat not at all distracted by the traffic racing by. It is an appropriate Sabbath image. Resting with no stress. What cat have you known who gets stressed out?
Sabbath rest is not passive. It takes discipline. Listening to God in prayer takes intentionality. My mind so easily jumps back on to the highway when seeking silence and rest in prayer. So many things to be distracted by, so many things to be done, so many things that a person could worry about. “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6a). There is always peace and comfort cushioned in God’s presence.
Have you ever felt like the world was passing you by, traveling faster than the speed limit? Have you ever been tempted to race toward some imaginary finish line or a destination that may not take you where you want to be? Maybe some reflection time at the next exit is a good idea. Maybe you need a day off to think about where you are.
I’m still learning what it means to live out of Sabbath rest. My cat lesson these days is to get off the highway and spend some time in Sabbath prayer. Maybe I’ll even take a Sabbath cat nap.
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