Community Devotions

Engage & Withdraw

SCRIPTURE

But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. - Luke 5:15-16

OBSERVATION

A rhythm of engaging and withdrawing--that was the ministry paradigm which Jesus engaged in kingdom mission. Whereas we keep striking while the iron is hot and bulldozing forward when there is fruit, Jesus withdrew. Though he himself was the literal messiah, he did not have a messiah complex. There were families with infirmities, fathers with leprosy, daughters dying but he withdrew to pray. He didn’t see every need presented to him as the will of the Father so he rested. His rhythm was very different from ours. He rested while others worked and worked while others rested. Maybe it’s because this paradigm of engage and withdraw. He didn’t wait till Sabbath to rest but continually found this rhythm of work & respite all throughout the day.

APPLICATION

I need to be courageous with Jesus’ paradigm of withdrawing especially when things are going well and ministry is rockin'. Often times when there’s momentum I ride that sucker till the tires are bald and wheels fall off. Find pockets in the day to withdraw not to be lazy but to pray. Be silent before God and let him speak instead of me talking all the time. Be intentional of resting my anxious thoughts and wandering heart.

PRAYER

Jesus you are the head of the church. You lived in and embodied grace and truth. Please give me the courage to say no ministry needs that I’m not supposed to meet. Guard me from idleness in rest and laziness in respite. Maranatha! I love you.

Sanctified by Sabbath

SCRIPTURE

I gave them statues and made know to them my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live. Moreover, I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statues but rejected my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned. (Ezekiel 20:11-13)

OBSERVATION

Ezekiel 20 is a history lesson recapping of God’s grace & provision, Israel’s rebellion, and God’s restoration of his people. After redeeming them from slavery in Egypt, God provides them the Sabbath with the twofold purpose: 1) Sign of intimate relationship between God & Israel. 2) Experiential knowledge of God’s sanctifying work. Just as my wedding ring is a symbol of my love and devotion to my wife Renee, God lovingly gave the Sabbath as a sign of His provision, sustenance and grace. Through the Sabbath the people of God did not have to work, strive, labor and produce to stay alive—God demonstrates his faithfulness and love to sustain his people. Through the gracious means of resting God’s people would be set apart and experience the provision of God. Yet God’s people chose to profane God’s provision by working and striving. Their rejection of the Sabbath cost them their witness, they lost their saltiness and light.

APPLICATION

No more rationalization of breaking the Sabbath. Enough of justifying and making excuses because things need to get done. I worked this past Monday on my Sabbath and I have been lethargic all week. I am not the Lord of the Sabbath—Jesus is. I am not the head of the church—Jesus is. It is His will being done and his kingdom coming. I need to rest and trust that he is working even when I am not. I need to be strategic and diligently do all my work before my Sabbath and rest. Get chores, laundry, honey do’s and errands done before or after  Sabbath NOT during. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sanctifying me through your Sabbath. May I always trust you and rest in your promises. Please forgive me for profaning the Sabbath. Holy Spirit please strengthen my faithful and solidify my work ethic so that I can take my Sabbath rest. I love you. Maranatha!