Observation Check.

This past Sunday’s message on honoring the Sabbath was the fourth sermon in the series “Can My Prayer and Fasting Really Work?”, a series of reflections on Isaiah chapter 58. We have been focused on this chapter during the forty-day period of prayer and fasting undertaken by Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene (January 1 through February 9).

How do we observe the Sabbath? Pastor Sam shared some points that we can remind ourselves of today:

• Sabbath rest- time to step away from our usual routine of work.
• Sabbath reflection- time to recall the goodness and greatness of God in past situations.
• Sabbath repentance- time to confess our failures in trusting and obeying our Lord in the present situations we face.
• Sabbath recreation- time to embrace the creativity and giftedness God has given us.
• Sabbath renewal- time to spend in the presence of God so that we can be made strong in Him.
• Sabbath re-commitment- time to declare our intent to remain faithful in honoring God by honoring His word.

It is perhaps all the more important that Bronx Bethany keep these points in mind as we move away from the contemplative stance of our prayer period. The temptation for some is to mindlessly rush back into their previous way of living life, moving back into the activities and routines that caused us to over-extend ourselves, with no inclination to engage Sabbath-keeping. It is a temptation we must resist with all our strength, with the help of the Lord Himself.

If someone were to follow you around for seven days, would their observation of your life confirm that you are a Sabbath-keeper?