Event! A Sabbath Day's Walk- Sat June 16th
A couple of opportunities will be available this summer for a unique Sabbath time of rest. The first one will be on Saturday, June 16th starting at 10am. The meditation time will be a modified retreat style and held locally at Channing H. Philbrick Park (formerly Linear Park) in Penfield. The shelter has been reserved. A general overview of the time includes a preparatory meditation under the shelter, a meditative trail walking exercise, personal time, a meditation for soul rest, worship prayer circles, and opportunity for personal prayer. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch to enjoy fellowship with others who stay after the meditation is over. The park has wonderful trails, streams, and plenty of places for quiet reflection and reading, so come prepared to make a nice day of it!
Jesus didn’t rush; and Jesus walked with people in wonderful ways on Sabbath days. As he walked, he shared himself with his followers and disciples. He taught them deep spiritual truths. He offered grace. He revealed kingdom secrets meant to lead to soul rest and renewal. He initiated healing. He opened people’s hearts to respond to the Gospel message. He defended his disciples. He rebuked religious hypocrisy. He cast down religious argument. He completely restored people. He taught with authority that left people in awe and amazed at his wisdom. He delivered people from impure spirits. He responded to the prayers and inquiries of his disciples. He touched people through the laying on of his hands. He humiliated his opponents. He ruled the Sabbath day of rest and redefined the Sabbath day by becoming eternal rest for all who call on His name (Matthew 12:8, Hebrews 4:9-10).
Because of Jesus’ acts of love, demonstrated divine authority, and words of truth, people walked with him. They followed him, crowded him, traveling long distances without food and water to be near him. Some mocked, but many praised him. Many delighted in the wonderful things that Jesus was doing.
On a Sabbath, while in a grainfield, he declared, “I tell you something greater than the temple is here.” Matthew 12:6. He was declaring that being in a field with God was greater than false piety in a man made temple without His presence.
And despite it being a Sabbath day, Jesus did not rest from His work. He defended himself saying in John 5:17, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” He was revealing Himself as the Sabbath we are to seek. His final act of creation was for the salvation of souls and eternal rest in His presence. God made the Sabbath holy by offering Himself as the perfected work through which all may find rest from their own imperfect work. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” His work is finished and your works are not needed. Your presence and belief in Him is wanted though. Come and spend some time with Jesus. Walk with him; talk with him, consider him, open up your soul for His Sabbath rest to refresh and renew. This is a great event to bring a friend! Sign up on the Calendar page! And feel free to visit Penfield Recreation’s page on Channing Philbrick park located here.
