Rest
Rest
200 Words: God finished his work of creation by resting (Genesis 2:2).
The Jewish people were exiled from their homeland in the 6th Century BC.
Why did this event happen?
2 Chronicles was written in the 3rd Century BC and gives a surprising – enlightening – explanation:
Until this land has enjoyed its Sabbath rest, until seventy years have gone by, it will keep Sabbath throughout the days of its desolation (2 Chronicles 36).
The people had not rested on the Sabbath for an accumulated 70 years. That’s why the exile lasted for 70 years.
Theological experts tell us that it was during the time of exile that the Jewish people most experienced God as their Father Creator.
The creation texts emerged with the insight that God created the world in seven days, with the rhythm of six days of work and one day of rest.
In fact, this poetical (non-historical) text proclaims the truth that:
God finished his work of creation by resting (Genesis 2:2).
That’s our cue.
By resting, we are able to look back upon our work, internalise it and see that it is good – acting just like God.
If, at times, we feel ‘exiled’ from ourselves, from others and from God, we know where to seek a solution.
Amen.
Fantastic reflection (pun intended). It’s very easy to fall into a habit of working or being overly busy in some form or another every day of the week, including weekends. And without taking the proper rest rhythm eventually one can hit a spiritual cliffhanger where suddenly he/she is too exhausted to do anything at all (an individual’s exile). I
Interesting to see the tie together between Genesis and 2 Chronicles and their respective poetical and historical truths weaving together.
Great food for thought for lent, both the article and video.