Okay, so I have told you all that I have a challenge for you all. This challenge came to me after I was caught writing in a synagogue on Shabbat. Not realizing that writing or taking notes on the "sermon" was "forbidden", I continued to write down my ideas or understanding of the service.
My challenge is to do a 52 Sabbath challenge. For those who are not familiar with a Jewish Shabbat, here is a basic understanding: "it is a precious gift from God, a day of great joy eagerly awaited throughout the week, a time when we can set aside all of our weekday concerns and devote ourselves to higher pursuits." (Judaism 101) One day of complete rest--instead of being online, you can spend time studying the Bible; instead of TV go to a museum or spend time with your family; instead of writing or studying for school or work, take time to read a book.
This challenge came along because I was told by a Rabbi “We don’t use writing utensils on Sabbath...” not understanding why I couldn’t write or do work on a Saturday I just refrained from working. Then I spent some time learning the “why” behind the “we don’t...” This challenge relaxed me. I spent one Saturday reading, studying the Bible, prayer and learning more about my own faith--especially as it pertains to being rooted in the Jewish faith. This also allowed for me to be able to realize my own need for more study time and more understanding of the scriptures to better my relationship with Christ.
Most Christians that read this will argue that it’s “Letter of the law” or “legalistic”, but my argument is this: “How have you been able to focus on your relationship with God lately, when you are constantly bombarded with work and worry?” By taking this conscious rest, you are reminding yourself to take time to focus on your relationship with God. I can honestly say that had the Rabbi not came to me and told me that I may offend someone by “working” I would never have discovered the joys of a Sabbath rest.
My challenge does NOT take place of daily worship, study or prayer, nor am I advocating that it take place so that you can neglect your regular church worship or fellowship. To recommend such a thing I would be in violation of my own personal beliefs--and a command given to us in Hebrews--to NOT neglect the gathering in a fellowship with Christians.
My challenge does not include any legalistic forms of following the mitzvoth or “the law” outside of the “no work, rest” ruling. Even that isn’t legalistic, it’s given to us through God’s commandment to “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” To keep something holy means to “set aside” for the glory of God. We are considered holy through our salvation in Jesus Christ, provided we have accepted it, this means that we are set aside to do the work of God.
So if you are willing to do this challenge, let me know--this way we can encourage one another, maybe you will do a Saturday evening to Sunday evening rest, this way you can incorporate it in your own worship experience--the day doesn’t matter to me, just that we as Christians begin to take our faith more seriously and that we use every opportunity we have to advance our own learning, beliefs, personal theology and understanding.
During this journey I will be making comments on what I learn and how it has and begins to affect my life. I can already tell you that my first Shabbat rest allowed me to realize that I needed to take this time with God so that I can improve upon my own spiritual experience. Will you join me?
For more information on "Shabbat": check out: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/shabbat.html
I will be also publishing a newsletter called "SHABBAT" so if you are interested in the journey, let me know, I will hopefully be able to email them out...so I will need emails from anyone wanting to join me on this journey.
Also, I will be posting this journey on facebook.com/rachel.anders79 (under Notes) :) Rachel
