As Smart As A Mule

“Let's start with that most offensive of mule stereotypes, namely that they are stubborn. Nothing could be further from the truth, according to mule expert John Hauer, author of The Natural Superiority of Mules (Skyhorse Publishing) just out in its second edition. As he explains, mules aren't stubborn. They're simply too intelligent to do stupid things. They also have a powerful self-protective streak. Load up a mule with too much weight and it'll refuse to budge. But when you lighten the load to a point the mule deems acceptable, it'll get moving sure enough. Another example: When a mule is exhausted after a long day on the trail, it'll stop. Stubbornness? No. Self-preservation.  By contrast, a horse can be ridden to death . . . “  "(The Misunderstood Mule,” Saturday Evening Post, May 1, 2014)

Perhaps this quotes speaks to us about the wisdom of the Sabbath.  Last Sunday we looked at the fourth command from Exodus 20--the invitation to take a Sabbath.  I suggested the Sabbath is a liberating practice that should shape the way we live in the world.   

One of the things I discovered is the richness of the Sabbath.  The word Sabbath means "to stop."  Accordingly, everyone and everything is supposed to rest in Israel--workers, resident aliens, animals, and even the land (Leviticus 23 & 25).  This resting should shape the way we live.  We cease from our restless anxiety and greed. Then, we honor God with others by holding a "holy convocation" (Leviticus 23:3).  

How else could Israel remember whose they are and who they are?  Put another way, to keep the first three commandments of being rightly related to God and to keep the last five commandments of loving our neighbors well, Israel needed a Sabbath to remind them of their unique call in life.  They needed a weekly break to focus on God.   

What's the bare minimum for us?  I would suggest you consider the following:  First, you should be in church every week, unless you're sick or out of town.  Make gathering with the people of God a priority and a joyous routine.  Where else can you go to hear such wonderful words like love, righteousness, justice, peace, hope and faith?  Secondly, find a way to cease from your everyday activities to be attentive to God and others in an extravagant manner-- i.e., a prayer walk, a dinner with friends, an afternoon of rest and reading. These two times might combine; they might not.  We're not called to rules but to practices that help us grow in Christ.    

Nonetheless, there is too much wisdom in the Sabbath to dismiss it.  The only question remains, are we as smart as a mule?