The Weekly Perspective
by Burke Shade, Associate Pastor
Pastor Thacker preached on Exodus 23:10-19 last Sunday, and it is a timely passage. We are entering that Festive time of year where we have Thanksgiving, All Saints Day, Advent, Christmas, New Years Day, etc. Mixed in with all those days are usually plenty of extended family and friends get togethers. So what practical wisdom we can glean from Exodus 23 on observing the season?
First, the whole passage is about rest in some manner or other. We don’t have sabbath years in the New Covenant, but in both that section and the following weekly section, there is admonition to rest. Not only for ourselves, but for those under us or that we influence: your land, the poor, wild beasts, vineyards and orchards, work animals, the son of your servant, and the alien. They all should have some time to “be refreshed” (vs.12). So are you making sure you, and those whom you influence, will be getting some time of rest and refreshment? Do you look for opportunities to give rest and refreshment? Usually we only think of our immediate family, but some fellow Christians have applied this to their workforce, such as Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby!
Second, rest also means not being involved in the worship of false gods. Can you think of any false gods prevalent this time of year to watch out for?
Third, part of resting is feasting. So it would be good to make sure those working behind the scenes, wife, children, etc., have plenty of rest as well.
Fourth, we should offer the best of our hand to the Lord, just as they brought the best of the first fruits. So make sure you, your wife, your children, those visiting you, get plenty of rest Friday and Saturday night so they are rested and primed to offer their best on Sunday morning!