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Megan Armstrong's avatar

And of course the first thing I wonder is... but what do you DO on the Sabbath?! Hah. Thank you for sharing vulnerably and for the invitation. The pivot in thinking from "Jesus worked on the Sabbath -- gasp!" to "Jesus invited the disabled into the Sabbath" is a powerful one for me (if that's what you meant).

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Jonathan Walton's avatar

Yes! The disabled (blind, lame, etc.) exist literally outside the temple for the most part. I’d have to do some research to know why the man with the shriveled hand in Mark 3 was allowed inside but as far as I know they weren’t allowed into commune with God and religious leaders in sacred spaces. Sabbath is resistance ;).

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Jonathan Walton's avatar

And so, my sabbaths prior to this past season looked like 24hrs from friday to saturday night. Church wasnt a part of it. I didnt work at all, post or do anything that generating income or boosted me professionally in any way. Pizza night with the kids, sleeping in and working out marked that time. My wife loves nature so some of that time is spent doing that with her but the rest can be centered around a solid podcast, time with friends AND MUST INCLUDE good food!

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jason gaboury's avatar

Please continue to take sabbath… You are made for rest, delight, relationships, and restoration.

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Jonathan Walton's avatar

Amen! It is amazing how we are prone more to drift away from God than toward him. More reflections to come for sure.

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Azikiwe's avatar

I don’t remember the last time I took a Sabbath. I know I need to and have been contemplating on doing this.

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Azikiwe's avatar

Will do, thanks

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Jonathan Walton's avatar

What do you think is stopping you?

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Azikiwe's avatar

All the issues you mentioned have been on my mind and and heart too. It has been overwhelming. The times when I remember to slow down and be still before Jesus, it does ground me in peace.

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Jonathan Walton's avatar

Amen, please do check out the chat and the resources posted in the comments to @david joseph jr. Until my book comes out, that’s the best resource I have!

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Dave Joseph Jr's avatar

Does sabbath require a 24hr time of rest? What other rules do you have for sabbath rest?

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Dave Joseph Jr's avatar

Thanks! I enjoyed the read.

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Jonathan Walton's avatar

Hey David! Like the Lord’s prayer is a pattern for prayer, I think the Sabbath is a pattern for rest. Whether it’s 24hrs, 12 or 8, I think to stop, rest, delight and contemplate are great places to start. Check out this doc: bit.ly/CBRSabbath

And this podcast: bit.ly/EHARuleofLife

It breaks it down! Let me know if you have any questions, feel free to share and spread the word. The more people that are well fed, hydrated, and rested, the more equipped we are for love and justice in the world.

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