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Reading
Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.
Devotion
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| https://www.chanahelen.com/?attachment_tag=shabbat |
This week's painting is by modern Jewish artist Chana Helen Rosenberg. Entitled "Greeting Shabbat" it was displayed most recently in a show with the artist in Jerusalem in 2020. It may be found online at the link in the caption. Summer is often thought of as a sabbath time, a time of rest. Rest however, in the Bible, does not mean inactivity or more time to sleep or play. Rather rest means to learn how to receive divine energy and nourishment which in turn drives mission.
The dancing on the Sabbath in the painting reminds me of that. Joyful re-creation is portrayed with the dancers, divided by gender by the mechitzah, moving to brightness and light. One can almost hear the music and clapping. They move in consort with the Spirit of the Creator. The light of creation seems to form a backdrop for the scene as eight stars, the number of ultimate perfection, are present.
I pray you, dear reader, find a time of re-creation this summer. I hope your time of vacation or holiday provides you a renewal of energy and creativity. If you don't have a specific time away then consider putting time in your week or day where you attend to the things of the Spirit. Restoration and hope will naturally follow!
Prayer
Almighty God, we hear you calling us away to rest in you. In our daily toil, help us to orient our lives toward you and lean on one another as fellow travelers. Amen (prayer by my friend Nathan Solomon, currently serving as Sixth Fleet Chaplain)