February 17, 2005

February 17, 2005 Hebrews 4:1-10

Hebrews 4:9-10 “So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God's rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.”

As a public school teacher, a wife, and the mother of four children, I was never able to get everything done. That was not an imagined situation. It was a reality.

The vacuum was often left in the last place it was used with the anticipation that it would be picked up again to continue the process. There were always clean clothes, healthful food on the table, dishes were washed, homework was done (both mine and the children's), ball games and concerts were attended. Resting on Sunday did not always seem to be an option.

But when Sunday came, the family attended Sunday school and church. It was not a decision we had to make. Maybe it was a habit. More than a habit, I think it was a determination to attend because we thought it was the right thing to do.

I can’t say that I always rested, but we always went to church. It was a safe feeling for me. God had seen my family through another week. I’ve always felt that God had watched over my family all week, and the very least I could do was stand one hour a week in church saying “Thank you.”

At this stage of my life I probably do live up to the scripture noted above better than I did when the children were at home. The vacuum is no longer on the floor, the laundry has become much less of a chore, I still put healthful food on the table, I still do paper work although it is not schoolwork, and I still do not have to make a decision about attending church on Sunday. When Sunday comes I plan to be in church.

And when it comes to our final rest, God has promised us eternal life with him. This is a great comfort to a Christian, especially if one has lost someone close.

Dear heavenly Father, help us to treat the Sabbath as if it belongs to you and is given to us as a gift to help us renew ourselves for another week. Spending an hour in church with other people who truly care about you is another gift we can enjoy each week. Amen.

Contributed by Anna Nienhueser