1.  The LAW. The two cornerstones of Judaism are the Law and the Prophets. Beginning with the Ten Commandments, God's Laws define our relationships with one another (no stealing, no lying) and with God (no idols, don't misuse God's name). As Israel and Judaism developed, more laws updated what was right or wrong. The Prophets sought to explain and apply the laws in practical ways with a "carrot and stick" approach. Given God's laws, and the emphasis on God's sense of justice, Judaism created a religion based on sacrifice as a way to achieve atonement (reconciliation with God). Every sin, bad deed, or wrong action required a specific sacrifice at the Temple to make things right. Americans pride ourselves on being a "nation of laws". There's a right way or a wrong way to do things, and consequences. We all love that until we break a law, or someone we care about is caught. Then we want leniency, mercy, a "get out of jail free" card. Or more like, we want the law applied less rigidly, with more flexibility, more "understanding". We want " the spirit of the law" over " the letter of the law". That's what Jesus was doing; and frankly, the Old Testament prophets had been doing the same.

2. SABBATH, Part 1. In the Creation story (Genesis) God "rested" on the 7th day after creating the world. In the Ten Commandments God told humans, in effect, that if even God needed a "Sabbath" (rest), then humans should, too. So we were ordered to NOT do any work on the Sabbath, to keep it "holy". The devil is in the details. What is work? Is there work so essential that it should be allowed? Should a husband stay home from work, but a wife still cook? Should a soldier NOT defend the country, or a doctor not do a surgery on the Sabbath? Jesus runs into two examples. In the first his disciples are caught harvesting, by grabbing a few grain stalks. In the second, Jesus already known as a healer, has the chance to heal a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath. For the disciples the grains were the food available. For Jesus the healing opportunity stood before him. Jesus asks, in effect, how do you turn your back on need or opportunity if there is good to be done. In each instance Jesus prioritizes the good over the law. Yes, this could be a slippery slope if we are unguided in the pursuit of good. Jesus' teachings, Paul's writings, the Old Testament prophets outline the good clearly.

 

3.     SABBATH, Part 2. Is there any "Sabbath rest" in American life, 2017? No. Sunday morning church is a dwindling tradition. Rest is a lost art. Family time is diminished. "Blue Laws" that curtailed Sunday activities are gone. Many people have to work on Sunday, most have to squeeze in what they don't have time for the rest of the week. Sundays are now hectic, packed, full-speed. Is God angry? No. Jesus said, "the Sabbath is made for us!" if anything, God is sad. Well, what to do? At our church we seek to offer a church life that allows many entrances into worship, prayer, study, service, and fellowship - all the hallmarks of church. Last Sunday's "Advent Dinner Worship" allowed a whole host of people to have dinner, get ready for Christmas, and experience Advent Worship all at the same time. And, guess what? - it was restful!