Summer, especially July, is a time of family vacations. Ever wondered what God thinks about vacations? I’ve been thinking about it, as our family just returned from a vacation to Kentucky. We explored an 1850’s farm, got our van licked by a herd of buffalo and just had a great time together. We didn’t take a vacation from God, as we had times together of reading the Bible and attended a great church last Sunday called Hope Harbor. We’re glad to be back in St Louis, a little tired from all the physical activity, but refreshed.
So what does God think of vacations? In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to take a trip three times a year to Jerusalem for the joyous festivals of Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Weeks. Everybody needs a significant break from the routine of work a few times of year. Leave the laptop and email at home. Family vacations build the family bond closer. There’s nothing like the nine people of our family living in a small cabin to rub off some of our rough edges. Going to a different place and changing from the city to the wilderness, opened up our eyes to see God’s handiwork in creation. Worshipping in another church in a different state showed us God’s family is far bigger than what we have personally experienced. If you haven’t already, enjoy a vacation this summer, but don’t leave God out of it.
Actually, God presecribed a mini-vacation every week in the ten commandments called the Sabbath or day of rest. It’s a day to set aside to worship God, most people do that on Sunday. It’s a day to spend with your family and to set aside the routine work of the week.
Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV) Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Take a break, you deserve it and God commands it.
Hello thank s for the good news you bring by your website i have shared your teachings on the website with my people and all here praise god for the good work you do i am therefore requesting you to extend your work here in kenya . to grow more in these truth hope to hear
Pastor Evans