ADVENT: DAY 7
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church - Outreach - Blogs - TEEZing Out The Roots
"Jesus called the Twelve together and he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal sicknesses. 2 He sent them out to proclaim God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. 3 He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, not even an extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. 5 Wherever they don’t welcome you, as you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” 6 They departed and went through the villages proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." Luke 9:1-6
I have spent the day in sacred rest, celebrating a Sabbath for the first time in far too long. It has been rejuvenating to say the least. After a busy week at TEEZ, lots of time spent with friends, and an intense several days of personal reflection and growth, I needed it.
In no way has my labor this week been near the level of the disciples who were commanded to do the work of the Kin-dom without any of their own personal resources, to rely fully upon others. They even faced the certainty of being rejected by some of the communities they would visit. Really, if there is any group of people laboring like the disciples today, it is the Syrian refugees.
They have had to leave everything behind, and they face certain rejection from those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fact that they have the resilience and communal strength to survive is a clearer testament of the gospel than anything I have seen coming from the countries that are fighting over who can be the most xenophobic.
If I have had to take this day of rest, I can only imagine how deep that need is for those who have been forced to wander. As we take the time to rest this season, let's also take the time to act so that others may rest.