Devotional Reading: Hebrews 4: 1-16* . Morning Psalm 43; Evening Psalm 31.

Text: So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from His. Let us therefore make every effort to enter into that rest, … (vss. 9,10,11a)

While coming home from an out of town meeting I made a quick stop at a McDonalds for a hamburger and a soft drink. A couple about my age was in line ahead of me. They called over to their 20-something son to see if he wanted something to eat or drink. Engrossed in a video game on his I Pad, he didn’t raise his dead as he shook his head.

The couple got their food and sat down across from their son. Waiting for my order I looked over at them and saw that despite various attempts at conversation, their son never took his eyes off of the I Pad nor did his thumbs ever quit moving. The young man seemed to be addicted to his electronic device.** Now I don’t know the family or their situation but their image got me to thinking about the Sabbath.

The letter to the Hebrews encouraged that community to keep a sabbath. We have been created to both work and rest, play and rest. The most durable muscle in a healthy person is their heart. It has been estimated that the heart beats, on average, 42,048,000 times a year and 3,363,840,000 times in a life time. The only way that it can do this is by having a balance between work and rest.

On this 40th day of Lent, take time to consider whether you have a balanced life. All work and no play not only makes Johnny a dull boy but it destroys family and social life.

Lord, motivate me to keep a sabbath and send people into my life who will hold be accountable. Remind me that only by living a balanced life can I truly glorify you. Amen.

*The Common Lectionary does not assign a Gospel text for the Saturday before Easter.

**It is easy for us to become addicted to our electronic devices. Like Pavlov’s dogs we respond to the ding of an incoming email or tweet or… Consider taking an internet or electronic device sabbath for half a day, or even a whole day.