November 29th

Our family returned from a much-needed vacation this past Wednesday.  While on vacation, I decided I would only read two books: my Bible and Eric Metaxas book titled Bonhoeffer (I have not finished it yet, but so far it is so good!). Although I had not finished the book, we decided to go and see the movie, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin (a movie I also think you really should see!).

One of the verses that I believe God placed upon my heart before leaving for Florida just over a week ago was Psalm 46:10, which states: Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.  My plans for our vacation was to intentionally be undistracted for my family and for the purpose of listening to whatever it was that God wanted me to receive from my time in the book of Revelation 1-3 and Eric Metaxas book on Bonhoeffers life. 

It is now Friday, and so far, my takeaway from my time in Revelation and what I have gleaned from the life of a man that I have admired since I was introduced to him during my seminary days is this: Sabbath rest was designed to create space for Gods people to listen to Him for the purpose of being strengthened in Him.  A Sabbath rest has less to do with the seventh day of the week and more to do with our need to separate ourselves from the noise and pace of life so that we can hear from our God (see Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:23-28). 

I cannot help but see the parallels with our need for a Sabbath and what Jesus said to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7.  Jesus began with these encouraging words: I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary (vv. 23).  However, in the midst of their deeds, labor, and perseverance, there was something that they did miss according to verse 4, But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 

The Ephesian Christians were busy with good things, but along the way they left what was most important: Jesus.  So what was Jesus solution to address their real problem?  It seems to be the very thing that a Sabbath rest was designed for: Stop striving and know that I am God...  The way that they were to do this was to remember where and when they began to leave their first love: Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first... (Rev. 2:5). 

As you prepare your heart for this Sundays worship, I want to encourage you to pause sometime this weekend to reflect on where things are at with your relationship with Jesus.  Who is Jesus to you really?  Is He really the love of your life and if not, why?  What needs to happen or change for Him to become your first love... again? 

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we will consider what it means to take up the shield of faith. 

Grace,

Pastor Keith