Better yet, between the Jewish & Christian traditions, contemporary western societies (and other followers, such as Taiwan) get 2 days of rest in a row per week! But I do think you also have to factor in the amount of work in a week that people did then versus now. I'm pretty sure we need 2 days to rest properly, at the rate our society spins us. I've worked a few 6-day weeks here, and almost collapsed of exhaustion at the end of the following week.
Anyway, all this to say I am truly thankful to have weekends as a time where God re-focuses my attention on Himself and His big picture. Sometimes in the middle of a work week, it feels as though I'm in mid-jump, looking down at the jagged land below and flailing wildly. I lose track of true priorities and become increasingly self-focused and man-centered. Lots of sin to battle there. Then Saturday/Sunday comes and I land, and recover, and refuel.
This weekend (well, just today so far but tomorrow as well, I anticipate) has been just such a landing. Good times with my Father, good reads, good listens, good company, good conversations. So refreshing!
I was super-excited so many times today. For silly little reasons, a few "no way!" coincidences... all gifts from a God who delights in making His children delighted. Food and water for a weary traveler... reminders that He is sovereign, no matter our situation.
I came across an interesting chapter in Isaiah (44) this morning that I've not noticed before. The holy repugnance of man-made idols is not new to me, but this vivid description .... and wow, I have seen it lifted from the page into reality here in Taiwan, where there are many idol-making/selling shops on the streets.
Bel bows down; Nebo stoops;
their idols are on beasts and livestock;
these things you carry are borne
as burdens on weary beasts.
They stoop; they bow down together;
they cannot save the burden,
but themselves go into captivity.
...
Those who lavish gold from the purse,
and weigh out silver in the scales,
hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god;
then they fall down and worship!
They life it to their shoulders, they carry it,
they set it in its place , and it stands there;
it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer
or save him from his trouble.
...
Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
-Isaiah 46:1-2,6-7; 45:22-
their idols are on beasts and livestock;
these things you carry are borne
as burdens on weary beasts.
They stoop; they bow down together;
they cannot save the burden,
but themselves go into captivity.
...
Those who lavish gold from the purse,
and weigh out silver in the scales,
hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god;
then they fall down and worship!
They life it to their shoulders, they carry it,
they set it in its place , and it stands there;
it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer
or save him from his trouble.
...
Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
-Isaiah 46:1-2,6-7; 45:22-
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