In her book Keeping the Sabbath Wholly, Marva Dawn shares this moving account:
The story is told of a wagon train on its way from St. Louis to Oregon. Because its members were devout Christians, the whole group observed the habit of stopping for the Sabbath day. Winter was approaching quickly, however, and some among the group began to panic in fear that they wouldn’t reach their destination before the heavy snows. Consequently, several members proposed to the rest of the group that they should quit their practice of stopping for the Sabbath and continue driving onward seven days a week.
This proposal triggered a lot of contention in the community. So finally it was suggested that the wagon train should split into two groups—those who wanted to observe the Sabbath and those who preferred to travel on that day. The proposal was accepted, and both groups set out and traveled together until the next Sabbath day, when one group continued on while the other remained at rest.
Guess which group got to Oregon first?
You’re right. The group who kept the Sabbath reached their destination first. Both the people and the horses were so rested by their Sabbath observance that they could travel much more vigorously and effectively the other six days of the week. God honors those who honor His commands.
I need to confess that I follow a work/task/accomplishment mindset that in recent years has eroded my willingness to receive the gift of Sabbath that God offers (commands?) us. I’m haunted by that last line in Dawn’s book, “God honors those who honor His commands.”
I know I’m not the only one who keeps a nose to the grindstone seven days a week. But today, friends, I repent. God commands differently, and you deserve better.