Daily Devotion, September 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 12:1-8.

What do we do with the gifts God gives us? The gift of the rhythm of work and rest is a tremendous gift which God gives to all of humankind. God began giving this gift in the story of creation. God gave this gift in provisions of manna for the Israelite people. And God gave this gift in the commandments given to Moses in Exodus 20:8-11.

But by Jesus’ lifetime, God’s gift had become lost in a long list of rules about how one should “keep the Sabbath”, and what was considered “work” and what was not. Acts 1:14 tells us that the Mount of Olives is a Sabbath Day’s walk from Jerusalem. Even steps were counted!

According to Rev. William Barclay. “There were thirty-nine basic actions which were forbidden on the Sabbath, and among them were reaping, winnowing, and threshing grain and preparing a meal. It was also forbidden to carry a burden. And a burden was anything which weighed as much as two dried figs!” 

The heart and intention of God’s gift to humankind had become lost within all the rules. Jesus, knowing God’s heart lifts this gift from its hiding place as he walks with his hungry disciples through the grain fields. Jesus has just offered the invitation for all to come to him who need rest in Matthew 11:28-30. Perhaps Jesus was walking through the grain fields and continuing the conversation as he gave the hungry disciples permission to eat the grains, even on the Sabbath!

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you God, for the gift of work and rest which we find in You. Help us discover again your gift of a healthy work/rest balance for the sake of offering mercy unto others. Amen.

Jesus reminds the Pharisees of the stories from the Old Testament in verses 3-5. Then, in verses 6-8, Jesus restores the gift proclaiming God’s intent, “’For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Jesus lets the Pharisees know that sometimes work is necessary on the Sabbath.

God’s gift of the rhythm of work and rest is truly a gift which is healing for us and reminds us that we are not God. God knows better than we do that we need mercy. I wonder if during the Last Supper and during Jesus’ appearance at the table after his resurrection, the disciples remembered Jesus’ gift of grains on the Sabbath?