Each week I write a devotional for the Kane Republican that appears on the church page every Saturday. This past week I shared some personal thoughts about Sundays, slowing down, and Sabbath. I hope this causes us to pause and consider what we are missing and where we go from here. Have a great Sunday evening !
What If Sundays Still Mattered?
Pastor Calvin Cook
“The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” — Mark 2:27, KJV
What if Sundays still mattered?
I ask that question while looking at my own calendar. As a pastor, Sunday includes responsibilities, and I can become so occupied with leading worship that I forget to receive the rest and renewal I need myself.
Perhaps you know that feeling. Work, caregiving, activities, events and unfinished tasks can fill every available hour. Even when we sit down, our minds keep working.
I know I’m getting older and realize growing up there were not all of the gadgets, gizmos, and stuff that we have now. But I took some time remembering Sundays that made room for worship, a family meal, a visit to Aunt Ednas’, or a ride along a country road. Sometimes it was fishing in a creek with my Dad, an afternoon outdoors, or simply sitting on the front porch and taking time to sit and talk.
I know I probably had the same response that some have today “I am so bored” or “This is stupid.” But honestly as I look back they are some of the greatest memories. Those days were not perfect, and neither were we. But there was something precious about having room to breathe.
Could we make room again?
Jesus said, “The sabbath was made for man.” His words help me recognize Sabbath as a gift from God. We need time to worship, rest, and remember that our worth reaches beyond what we accomplish and being involved in everything.
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” — Exodus 20:8, KJV
Have we gotten so far away from even understanding what sabbath means?
To keep time holy is to set it apart for God. For Christians, Sunday worship offers a weekly opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and renew our life together. From that gathering, we can carry His love into the remaining hours of the day.
What if we gave worship a cherished place in our week? What if we lingered over a meal, at a table, listened without watching the clock, or visited someone who spends much of their life alone?
We might notice God’s goodness beside a stream, hear a loved one more clearly, or discover how tired we have become.
I know that Sundays look different from one household to another. Some people work because others depend on their care. Some carry responsibilities that cannot be set aside. Some are exhausted, grieving, or uncertain about returning to church. God knows those circumstances, and we can meet one another with compassion.
Jesus made room for healing and mercy on the Sabbath. Caring for someone belongs within holy time, too.
Perhaps the question is: What space can I make to receive God’s gift of worship and rest?
For some, that begins with gathering for worship this Sunday. For others, it may include finding another protected time for rest, asking for help, or taking a small step toward Christian fellowship.
Holiness reaches our calendars. As we surrender some of our hurry, we make room to receive God’s grace and become more attentive to one another. This week, I want to let some work wait, give God my attention, and be present with the people He has placed in my life.
Would you consider joining me?
Prayer: Lord, help us receive the gift of holy time. Draw us into worship, renew us through rest, and teach us to be present with others. Give those who must work strength and opportunities for renewal. Shape our days with Your grace, and help us trust You with what remains unfinished. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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