My father was a man of principle. Often, however, I didn't understand the passion behind the scruples. You see, there was a hesitancy for him to do certain things for some reason. I grew up in an age of obedience...no questions asked. Unfortunately it wasn't until the last years of his life that we were able to chat as friends instead of "father-son." There were too many things to find out, at that point, so his concept of Sunday rest went unknown. It seemed somewhat confusing because activities like playing tennis were OK, but fishing was out of the question. Fishing...? Why fishing? Was it too much work to get the boat out, the old motor started and the fish cleaned? Who knows, but it was off limits. I will say, however, even this unknown created a semblance of difference and respect for the "day of rest".
Somehow this life has so many ways to fill itself with chaos and mayhem. Work, kids...life- it sucks the existence out of us. Though we now live under grace and we aren't bound by this "day of rest", is the component still essential?
Amy Carmichael puts it this way in the book, "I Come Quietly to Meet You":
"Those of us who are God's emissaries are to treat the world
(not just its corruptions, but its legitimate joys, its privileges and
blessings also), as a thing to be touched at a distance.
We must be aware at all times that, if we are caught by its spirit,
or fed by its meat, we will lose our sensitivity to the very breath
of the Highest and will no longer receive the manna that falls
from heaven to feed our souls.
It is not that He forbids us this or that indulgence or comfort;
not that He is stern, calling us to a life of harsh asceticism,
as if that would make Him more pleased with us. No, it is that we
who love our Lord, and we whose affections are set on the things
that are heaven for us today, will voluntarily and gladly lay aside
things that charm the world, so that we may be charmed and ravished
with the things of heaven. Then our whole being may be poured forth
in constant and unreserved devotion in serving our Lord, who died to
save us."
Does freedom lie in the captivity of this Savior? Is there seriousness in why God gave rest its own special day? Do I use this day of rest to entangle my life with more nonsense or do I rid the nonsense allowing myself room to be filled with wonder?
Will God judge me if I mow the lawn, play tennis or go fishing? I should think not. The offering of spiritual renewal and refreshment is given as a benefit not a painful hindrance. I don't think God recommends options to give Himself opportunities to punish. His creation and sacrifice is for our benefit. If I refuse the benefit to be refreshed, I just won't be refreshed.
We see here then that sacrifice is a risky business. So just as the soldier died to give me the right to burn the flag he is buried with, he hopes the freedom he sacrificed for would not bring despicable behavior. This also holds true for the "day of rest". The freedom we have gained to be refreshed by the sacrifice of Jesus, was meant to establish desire not repugnance.
Is this "day of rest" more important than I had once believed? Often my fathers principles turn out that way. Have I given away my freedom for things that just fill time and not refresh? I must revive myself. I must spend time with my God and make my "day of rest" worthwhile. I must be careful because maybe, just maybe, if I am not a servant to the freedom sacrifice has provided I will become a slave to the tyranny I despise.
