Reading the boys their Bible tonight, we were learning about how Ezra and Nehemiah built the walls back around Jerusalem and kept the people focused on God. When the wall was finally completed, Ezra gets out the Law of Moses to read to the people who were gathered together. These are the people of Judah who had been in exile in Babylon because of their sin. They had finally returned "home", and Ezra and Nehemiah say this:
"'This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Sam says, "Mom, now I'm confused. Now it seems like there's two reasons why we do Sabbath. The first one is when God rested after making the world. The second one is because we're supposed to celebrate and not be sad, because God saved us like the people who were sad for so long." This seems to indeed be what God is saying, and I appreciate that God not only wants us to rest b/c He created us to need it, but He also wants us to celebrate and remember who He is and what He's done! I'm so thankful that I don't serve a God that wants us to whip ourselves in our sin and shame at every possible turn, but wants to lift our heads when we repent and tell us "remember who I am and let My joy be your strength!" May I have child-like understanding like my son as a finish my day of Sabbath, and may I always remember who God is and what He's done for me!
I'm always amazed when I hear about your boys asking such deep questions with such understanding. I pray that Tayne (and our future kids) have that same desire to understand and seek God's face.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work you guys! ;)