Having outlined the 10 core values of Jewish society - values about respect of God, respect of self, and respect of neighbours' life and possession, Moses now enters a discussion of what these values look like in society when they are lived out.
Today's passage continues with a reminder about the importance of rest.
In the ancient near east religions - like the Egyptian's, the world belongs to the gods. Human beings exist to serve the gods. So while the gods frolick and play, humans toil. The Hebrews' God, on the other hand, does creative work six days a week and then rests one day. And He insists that his people follow the same rhythm of work and rest.
So here, we see that peopel are not the only ones who get to rest. All the workers, even the non-Hebrew ones and visiting ones, also get to rest one day a week, along with all the farm animals.
And one year in seven, even the land gets a break. Some how, God will give a double portion of yield in year 6 so that the year 7 crop is left un-harvested, free for the down and out to feast on. It's the original "welfare" system.
Write
Think about your faith story: have you experienced burn out? What is your rhythm of rest and work?
In your life presently, do you feel rested? Are you at your most effective as a person?
Who do you know badly needs rest?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about rest. Thank God for the way he gives you everything you need (time, provisions) to rest.
Pray about your present state of restfulness. Ask God for he wisdom and support to design a work rest routine so that you are most effective as a person, and so that everything important to you get the attention they need.
Pray for your friend who badly needs rest. Ask God for the wisdom and support to work with your friend to better emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual health.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he gives you rest, and the way he restores and remakes you when you rest.