Hit Pause

One of the strangest things about humans?  Our denial of being human.

We prefer to see ourselves in two extremes -  as machines made for functional utility, or as gods of unlimited capacity and power.  In both cases, rest is pointless, unnecessary.

But what God invites us to see, right from the Creation narrative, is that we are neither.  Not machines, not gods.  We are dust, yet God-breathed and created in his image.  Human.

In this same narrative, God also shows us rest as an intentional, essential aspect of creation.  Rest as the grand finale of the created order.  Rest as the beginning of our lives here on earth.

Looking to Jesus as the ultimate model of being human - we see how he chooses to retreat from the crowds, to hit pause over and over again on his teaching, helping, healing.  Takes a lovely nap while his disciples try frantically to keep their boat afloat in a storm.

I used to wonder why Jesus would stop good, essential work to rest.  Seems selfish, doesn’t it?  Shouldn’t he sacrifice everything for the sake of others?  Oh wait.  He did.

So pausing to rest?  It must be a non-negotiable aspect of how humans are made and how we are to live - even if you’re the Messiah himself.

Here are some of the truths we claim when we pause to rest:

1. God created and redeemed all things without human help - he doesn’t need us but invites us to join in what he is already doing
2. Humans are not objects to be used for production and profit
3. We have limits to what we can and are called to do
4. We need God’s provision and care, and intentional time on pause with him to flourish
5. We practice rest in this life, looking forward to the perfect rest that Jesus has gained for us

May we not diminish our identity by regarding ourselves as mere machines nor arrogantly pride ourselves as gods of our own making.  May we see ourselves with the clear, compassionate eyes of our Creator - as his beloved, worthy of both good work and good rest.

LECTIO DIVINA:

Read and meditate on Psalm 46.  Memorize Psalm 46:10 if you can.

Reflect on the images in the Psalm.  In what ways do they speak to your own circumstances / that of the world around us?  How do you find rest defined in this passage?

How would intentionally taking time to rest in God change you?  Your family?  Your community?  The world?

What prevents you from having true rest right now?  Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help.