As the sun sets in the Cold Springs Valley north of Reno, NV, I am praising the Lord for the gift of the Sabbath. This 24-hour "temple in time" draws my thoughts to the One who calls me His child and offer the invitation, "Come apart of rest awhile." The realization that every person springs from the loving hand of the Creator God brings a sublime joy and recurring meaning to my life. Genesis 1 and 2 describe the world as God designed it to be in from the outset. Perfect in form and function from the smallest microbe to the greatest mammal. And the crowning act of this loving Designer was humanity--created "a little lower than the angels" says the Psalmist--to be the steward of it all.
Sin has marred the perfection of God's creation but all is not lost. As Paul observes in Romans 1:19-20: "Since what may be known about God is plain...for since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." Death has come because of sin and the curse of its consequences are on display. But even through this gauze we may still perceive the intention of what was. And more importantly a promise of what is to come!
The Sabbath also reminds me of the Creator who redeems my lostness. The Divine Architect died and then rose again from death for His children. Even me...even you! Wonderfully, His promise is that what once was will return in perfection again when He speaks and the earth is again perfection. Revelation 21:5 records these insistent words of the Creator: "I am making everything new!"
The Sabbath makes me think of...long for...plan for...my Creator's return appearance to do what He promised.
Until then I'll drink in the rich scent of the lilac flowers cut from my garden and enjoy another Sabbath. Both gifts from Jesus, my Friend.
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