The tendency toward evil is seen in children on schoolyards, and it persists, to one degree or another, in all adults with fallen natures. We need desperately, not more time for providing for ourselves, but pauses to draw us out of ourselves, and to recognize a deeper, more beautiful, reality. We need what Sabbath provides, because the “reality” we experience in self-absorption, is overshadowed by depravity! I believe one of the greatest curses on television today—because it elicits our darkest instincts—is the heartless game shows purporting to be “reality” television! The only reality they clearly demonstrate, is how easily we can get rid of every better vestige of our natures, in order to obtain selfish desires!
The flip side of a dog-eat-dog world, is our inevitable wounds—even those of us who are predators are wounded by the game. Many are the victims of this brutal element in human nature! Casualties abound, who are beat up by the philosophy of “survival of the fittest,” day in and day out. The pressure is more intense upon some than upon others. However, I fear more the fate of those who have the least pressure, because at least the wounded understand something of the philosophy’s (survival of the fittest) ugliness! The winners are those most in danger of becoming absolute devils! The “beautiful people” are sometimes the most hideous people, when they are viewed through the spiritual lens of goodness.
However, the wounded are in desperate need of a sanctuary, where they can have a respite from the storms of this life. Those who are weary, those who are wounded, those who have been rejected and cast out as “wretched refuse,” are reminded of their infinite worth upon the Sabbath, because the Sabbath, a memorial of Creation, reminds us of our origin and purpose, and that we were made because we are wanted, by the One who made us.
Exodus 20:11 “. . . for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth . . .”
NRS Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." —Jesus, the Christ
