Author: astherainandsnow

“As they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him… 

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’  And they cast lots to divide his garments.  And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine  and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’  But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’  And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:26-27,32-43

It seemed just another day for Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, perhaps to see about the hullabaloo going on in Jerusalem. And just like that, his life was to be forever imprinted. Swept up in the sad, frenetic procession of crowds and criminals, he was forced to carry the heavy, rough wooden cross of Jesus to Golgotha. Did he have any idea his was the cross of the innocent? Would he ever understand the spiritual significance?

We awaken each day knowing not all that will transpire. We set about our duties and plans, and get caught in the steady stream of observations, machinations, and conversations. Do we take thought for what is going on in the supernatural? Are we attuned to the Lord’s nudges to convey the gospel? He is constantly involved in current events and working out His purposes, and if we are available, we can take up the cause of His cross wherever we are.

Would we behold our Savior, His crucified body weighted with sorrow and love, pain and compassion, mingling down in drops of sweat and blood? What part have we played in the guilt He carried? How can we come alongside Him in willing service?

Today, where will we bear His cross? Would we follow Him to the place of atonement, and apply His blood to all that eats away at us, the resentment we nurse, the grudges we hold, the malice we imagine (with pleasure), the foreign affections we’ve left unchecked? Into what situations can we carry grace and forgiveness? Knowing the power of the cross is a privilege and responsibility for the follower of Christ.

Lord, may I faithfully convey Your cross to my secret heart and to those around me, for Your renown and glory.

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10

“I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you…
In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word…

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies…

My hope is in your rules.
I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever…
for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes…

The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119:11,14-16,33-36a, 43b-44,47-48,72

The Word of God is compiled of many words of God penned by His inspired writers. The written Word extols the attributes of the living Word, Christ Jesus, urging its readers on to discover and delight. Psalm 119 is written in sections beginning with letters of the Hebrew alphabet, making its truths rhythmic and memorable. The Lord speaks in living, active words to pierce mind and heart so we can know and love and become like Him. (John 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Maintaining a vibrant life in Christ means abiding in His word. Abiding necessitates meditating on and applying it in various aspects of daily living. When we devote ourselves to time in the Word, guarding it as a vital priority, we will be informed, shaped, and strengthened by its truths and power. (Psalm 1:1-3; John 15:15)

How well do we attend to the living words issued by the Word Himself? Are we allowing their beauty and substance to sink in, take root, nourish, and flourish? What would change in outlook, attitude, and daily decisions if we regularly worshiped God for the (alphabetic) attributes of His Word?

Active (Hebrews 4:12)
Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
Creative (Genesis 1:3)
Dependable (Isaiah 55:11)
Eternal (Isaiah 40:8)
Flawless (Proverbs 30:5)
Guide (Psalm 119:105)
Holy (John 17:17)
Inspired (1 Peter 1:21)
Just (Jeremiah 23:29)
Kind (2 Peter 1:4)
Living (John 6:63)
Mighty (1 Peter 1:23)
Near (Romans 10:8)
Omnipotent (Romans 10:17)
Perfect (2 Samuel 22:31)
Quick to divide soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12)
Right (Psalm 33:4)
Sustenance (Matthew 4:4)
Trustworthy (Psalm 18:30)
Unchanging (Psalm 119:89)
Valuable (Psalm 119:72)
Wise (Psalm 119:130)
Xcellent (Jeremiah 15:16)
Yielding great reward (Job 23:12)
Zealous (Ephesians 6:17)

Lord, keep me meditating on and living by Your wonderful words of life, to Your glory. (Colossians 3:16-17)

“When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John.., he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar…  Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

“A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’ The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?’ (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’  The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?  Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’  The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.'” John 4:1,3-7,9-15

On the road again, this Savior with no place to lay His head, and this time through stigmatized Samaria. He had to go there, for His divine appointment. Bone-weary and thirsty, Jesus sat down to rest, and along came an interruption by way of an outcast. In tune with the Holy Spirit, taking up His mantle of grace, He engaged her in conversation that led to conversion for eternity, and not only for her. When He was spent, Jesus could and would always spend some more for a soul’s sake. (John 4:28-30,39,41-42)

Every day presents the children of God with opportunities to be involved in some way in God’s kingdom work. Pressures and busyness can keep us well-occupied with immediate matters and missing the openings the Lord makes possible. Fatigue can close us off to getting involved in yet another person’s life. My agenda can easily make no room for God’s.

But when we open ourselves to seize every opportunity the Lord presents, He will open our eyes and heart to follow. Asking each morning what the Lord is doing, and how can I be a part, will heighten expectation. Making a difference for eternity is a gift from God.

Where might the Lord be preparing someone for life-giving truth at work, in commercial interactions, our neighborhoods? What divine opportunities that require searching out the unfamiliar, the undesirable, or the least- publicized need, await our willingness? Where need we pass through today on God’s schedule?

Father, keep my feet ready to go or rest, my eyes alert to Your fields white for gospel harvest, and my mouth prepared to declare Your excellencies. (John 4:34-35; Ephesians 6:18-19)

“Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses… Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.” 1 Timothy 6:6,9-12,14-20

Paul knew well the fierceness of enemy opposition and entanglements with temptation when going after the Lord. He also knew the power and substance of God’s presence and promises. In order for Timothy to overcome and win in faith’s good fight, Paul spelled out for him what to flee and what to pursue and the importance of doing both. This good fight was well worth it, and possible by God’s grace.

Every fight has encumbrances to shake off and ends to achieve. For the Christian, ungodly distractions steal energy and mind space from what we should be striving toward, and demand that we retreat and redirect. The good fight of faith is a constant putting off and pressing on, leaving behind and moving ahead, fleeing and following, repenting and obeying. It’s vital we recognize our false idols, misplaced affections, haughtiness, and rebel spirit. Candid confession and hope in Christ fuel persistence in faith and keep us heading in the right direction.

What entanglements of ungodly desire, pesky sins, or unwholesome, debilitating relationships are holding us back from fighting faith’s battles well? What attractions, entertainment, and involvements veil us from seeing the enemy clearly, ridding unnecessary weight, and going after all that is good? Would we boldly name and confess greed, illicit activities, life-draining gods, bitter revenge that are holding us back from going after righteousness and godliness with a pure heart? The Lord has won the war. He gives grace to conquer and is honored when we fight life’s battles in His name. (2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-3)

Lord, help me remain steadfast, bold, wise, and faithful in the good fight, to Your glorious ends.

“As I urged you.., remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions…

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.”

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…

“In every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness… For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God,.. the Savior…

“Command and teach these things… Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7,18-19; 2:1-6,8; 4:7,10-16

Paul’s admonition to Timothy was compelled by insidious practices of the day. Instead of careful exposition of the gospel, the Ephesian church leaders allowed their vanity to swerve them to counterfeit doctrine. Peddling falsehoods, silly myths, unprovable suppositions, and divisive speculations, they stirred up controversy and disagreements, disrupting devotion and its attending disciplines. Paul warned of the dangers while urging him to good stewardship of the truth and his time. Maintaining a pure heart and clear conscience, and praying for those in authority, would set a godly example and please the Lord.

Issues through the centuries may change in topic, but seldom in tenor or turbulence. The enemy may have some new methods and materials, but his motives are still evil: to distract, divide, and destroy. He exists to confuse our understanding and stir dissension and doubt. If he can’t have our souls, he’ll rob the church of unity, joy, faith, and peace. (John 10:10; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 3:9)

Do I spend precious time entrusted to me embroiled in criticism, investigating conspiracies, or probing the Word? Am I more prone to put down governing leaders, or to lift them in earnest prayer? In instances of discord, complaining, or gossip at work, church, or home, am I a troublemaker or a truth-teller? What kind of example do I set as a steward of Christ’s gospel?

Lord, help me rightly handle Your truth and grace, staying steady in conflict and committed to obedience.

“Jehoiada took courage and… all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. Jehoiada said to them, ‘Behold, the king’s son! Let him reign, as the Lord spoke concerning the sons of David… Of you priests and Levites.., one third shall be gatekeepers, one third shall be at the king’s house and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord. Let no one enter the house of the Lord except the priests and ministering Levites… The Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.’

“The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada commanded… They brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and… proclaimed him king, and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, ‘Long live the king…’

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. [They] went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and images they broke in pieces… [He] posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the priests… He stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was unclean… So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death.” 2 Chronicles 23:1,3-8,11,16-19,21

Athalia was one vicious woman, cruel and power-hungry, driven to wickedness. After one son’s death, she murdered the others so she could take control of Judah. The people feared her.

In contrast, Jehoiada the priest was a faithful, committed man of God who, with his wife and under these threatening conditions, bravely perpetuated His plan. He hid the former king’s son Josiah from Athalia’s massacre and raised him to know and honor God, then waited on the Lord’s timing to make the right moves. His devotion to the Lord and His commands drove his priorities to set order and protection in God’s house, deeply impressing young Josiah and securing support and favor from the people. Implementing his strategy step by step, he successfully overthrew Athalia and established God as the One to be feared. (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)

Such thoughtfulness and courage hold significant sway in those whose consciences are keen and in whom God is moving. He often orchestrates circumstances that require great risks of faith and brazen maturity so He can prove His power in and through His people. Those who faithfully serve His purposes not only join the flow of His will, but are used by God to influence and encourage those watching.

In what areas and with whom might we be influential for good and godliness? Into what conversations or relationships might we thoughtfully portray godly order, uprightness, or truth? Where is God calling us to set aside fear and chip away at immorality, elevate conversation, add beauty? As we’ve benefited from influence, may we generously invest in others to promote growth and make Christ known.

Lord, align my impulses and priorities with Your perfect will, and sanctify any influence I have to magnify You and spur others on for Your sake and glory. (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:24)

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth!

Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!
    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.’

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord, for he comes,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.” Psalm 96:1-13

Oh sing! Tell from day to day! Declare among the nations! Ascribe due glory! Worship all the earth! God’s majesty and might, His splendor and dominion, His strength and beauty fill heavens and earth and are to be known and exalted!

The psalmist’s cry is a call to God’s people everywhere. Sing! Behold and tell! Ponder and proclaim! Think on His splendor and majesty, strength and beauty in the secret place! Tremble, and sing for joy!

What part do I have in doing so? None of these practices can take place when we are focused on ourselves. None occur when we look down, or fixate on things, or fret with anxiety at circumstances, or stew in unknowns and grievances. To obey God’s commands takes a reorienting of heart to wonder, a freeing from the tyranny of the urgent, a turning up of the eyes to heaven and the wide, wonderful handiwork of the Almighty. Responsibilities may be worthy of time and attention, but the Lord God is worthy of heart praise and worship. How balanced, or imbalanced, are we in what fear and glory and gifts we offer?

Of all the people we encounter, who needs a song today? Whom will we tell of God’s faithfulness and answered prayer? Whom can we encourage with His promises? With whom can we share a hidden beauty, a glimpse of mercy received, a story of love expressed, the majestic wonder of a detailed facet of creation?

What is our part among the nations? How can we contribute, in word or resources, to the proclaiming of God’s greatness abroad? What role will we take to make sure everyone hears? How can I encourage those being persecuted or in hard paces that their God reigns?

Lord, may I fear and love You more each day, and ascribe You due glory for all You are in all I say and do.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…

Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,
for they had rebelled against the words of God,
    and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
    they fell down, with none to help.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
    and burst their bonds apart.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he shatters the doors of bronze
    and cuts in two the bars of iron.

Some were fools through their sinful ways,
    and because of their iniquities suffered affliction…
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them,
    and delivered them from their destruction.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

Some went down to the sea in ships,
    doing business on the great waters…
They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
    their courage melted away… and they were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed…
    and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!” Psalm 107:1-2a,4-17,19-23,26-31

The psalmist composes this song with a repeated refrain of gladness. He pens melodious loops of the folly of the fallen, turning to the Lord, being raised to sing praise. The Lord’s steadfast love and wonderful works to His children are the faithful rhythmic theme of life. The wanderer, the hungry, the rebellious and captive, the laborer and the foolish, all find deliverance in the Lord. He leads in the straight way. He satisfies the longing soul. He cuts into bars of iron. He heals. He calms storms. This God resolves every stanza of trouble and turmoil and is worthy of ongoing song!

But oh, the reasons we nurse for pity! My inconveniences, my struggles, my pain, my problems! Woe is me! They’re unrelenting, undeserved, unnecessary! Often our distresses are the result of godless choices, and the Lord uses their anguish to turn us around.

Would we put God first in our longings and plans? Will we turn from spurning His counsel to seeking His word? When will we confess our stubbornness and sin to praise His merciful love?

Lord, attune my sights and heart to daily awaken the dawn and go to sleep with a song of praise. (Psalm 108:1-4)

“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives,.. I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel…

“Elijah said, ‘Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said.., ‘I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho… 

“Then Elijah said, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said,.. ‘I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on… Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted.., till the two of them could go over on dry ground.

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’” 2 Kings 2:1-2,4,6,8-9

“And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day… Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” Genesis 32:24,26

“Then they… wept again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and gods; return after [her].^‘ But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'” Ruth 1:14-16

Several are the examples in scripture of tenacious clinging on the part of people of faith to those with ability to impart favor and strength. It is clear that these recipients of God’s love and calling know that their wherewithal, their source and means of going forth, is the God who leads them. Their faith in heavenly promise compels them to cling to the Promise-keeper, and not advance one step or day without Him at the helm. The key to their persistent faith is unrivaled confidence in who God is and what He has said. Personality and circumstances aside, they are singly focused on the journey with their Lord.

Do I have such priority and passion? Many are the allures of this world that pledge to give fulfillment and satisfaction, to flesh out desires in life experience. Many are the excuses we make for choosing paths of least resistance and inconvenience. To any number of these manufactured ‘needs’ we clench tightly, rendering our hands unable to receive the Lord’s richer, greater blessings.

Nothing offers the adventure and deep meaning of journeying with the Lord. Pilgrims in this beautiful land, we tread on to an even more beautiful one when we cling to Him. How broad and long is our view of daily living? Are we driven by immediate pressures and impulses, or a view and hunger for everlasting? Do we prefer to pursue empty promises of this world, or divine promises of the next? What passions and occupations do we need to relinquish in order to be filled with the Spirit and pursue Him and His purposes?

Lord, may I cling every day to Your promises and path, for Your glory.

“Thus says the Lord God: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened… The prince shall enter by the vestibule of the gate from outside, and shall take his stand by the post of the gate. The priests shall offer his burnt offering and peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold. Then he shall go out, but the gate shall not be shut until evening. The people of the land shall bow down at the entrance of that gate before the Lord on the Sabbaths…  And the grain offering with the ram shall be an ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs shall be as much as he is able, together with a hin of oil to each ephah…

“When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate: no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead… 

“You shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the Lord daily; morning by morning you shall provide it.” Ezekiel 46:1-2a,3,5,9,13

Ezekiel’s prophecies to the exiled people of Judah were intended to breathe hope, reassurance, and new life into their lost sense of security and worship. He carefully relayed God’s message so they understood, looked forward to, and would follow His instructions upon their return to Jerusalem. The commands for their Sabbath were specific and detailed, reminding them of God’s intricate care for them and their ongoing covenant relationship, that between fallible men and holy God.

We can take such hope and renewed confidence when we honor the Sabbath. We do this by approaching it as distinct from a workweek, as God appoints, not according to our own preference and comfort. We come in remembrance and on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice that made atonement for our sins and the way to everlasting peace. We celebrate it in humble worship, focusing on the Lord God, bowing before Him in praise, thanksgiving, and willing service.

Do we take this institution of the Sabbath with serious wonder and willingness? How does remembering the foundation and source of soul rest enhance our honoring this day of true rest and our worship of Christ the Gate? What worldly mindset or habits can we surrender to make it more meaningful? (John 10:7-10)

To honor the Sabbath means we come to give, to offer freely of our bounty of time, love, attention, treasure. There is nothing about taking, and all about giving, taking only delight in the Lord. Where have we deliberately set aside our own pleasure to seek and serve the Lord’s? (Isaiah 58:13-14)

And we cannot celebrate the Sabbath without being changed. We never depart the Lord’s presence the same way we came in. How is passing through time with the Lord on His day transforming us? How would we like it to? When we genuinely desire to honor Him, the Lord will work the graces of His Sabbath in us.

Worthy Lord, help me regularly appoint time and space to honor, serve, and glorify You.