The Genius of Shabbat

Ron Ross
Bridges for Peace News
Email: ronrossbfp@hotmail.com


May 4, 2008

Shabbat in Israel is observed from sunset Friday to sundown Saturday. This has become the most treasured day of the week for those of us enjoying the privilege of living here.

Last Saturday my wife Yvonne climbed into a car with some friends and left to explore the Galilee and the Jordan River. The trip was planned as part of showing off the Holy Land to our grandson Ryan who is visiting for three months.

I took the opportunity to sit in the sun on our balcony and read ‘The Sage of Galilee – Rediscovering Jesus’ Genius” an amazing series of teachings by David Flusser.

Then I opted for my Sabbath stroll and this is where I was impacted by the genius of Shabbat.

Every day of the week except Saturday, the streets where I walk are crowded with bumper to bumper traffic. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes stop and start their way to who knows where. The frustration of travel is accompanied by a wild overture of honking horns. Instruments played by  gesticulating, red-faced drivers with wafts of energy radiating from their ears.

It is true, more than a million Jews have returned to Israel in less than a decade and I’m sure each one drives a car in Jerusalem on working days.

Now as I walk on Shabbat, I stroll to the centre of the vacant street – not a car to be seen. I join families strolling along the pavement. The children speak to ‘Abba” and ask the same questions of curiosity children seek to ask in every nation of the world.

Here dad is actually walking and talking with them; he may be pushing the pram or the stroller; mum radiates by his side.  As we pass we smile, they say, ‘Shabbat Shalom!” I nod my head, tip the peak of my cap and respond, ‘Shabbat Shalom!’

My circuit takes me along the bus route but then I turn and walk my way along Haas Promenade. This is where tourists gather to take breathtaking photographs of the Old City and the Mount of Olives. Today the view is spectacular. No haze impedes the beauty of the scene; I wish I had my camera but It’s focussing on the Galilee today.

There are no tourists at the lookout just those families. In the gardens youngsters are tossing a frizbee with their dad; lovers are lounging in the sun, carers have the elderly in wheelchairs – they too, pause to take in the breathtaking spectacle and enjoy the friendly, comforting warmth of the sun.

I gaze on Jerusalem, city of Gold,  a sweeping panorama.

No traffic disturbs the roadways, The sky is smokeless. No industry activity anywhere.

My walk back home takes me through brand new high-rise apartments. They are glistening sandstone castles reflecting the sun.  The architects have designed well. Wide sunlit walkways, grassed parkland areas and playgrounds are everywhere.

We are between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Independence Day. Brave Israeli flags fly from the balconies around me. I’m wearing my Israeli cap with a prominent Star of David on display. I fit into this scene well.

He’s in the Fire

I spoke to the Bridges for Peace Staff and Volunteers on Friday. I spoke to them about ‘wars and rumours of wars’, about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being in the fiery furnace.

I indicated how the Lord could have saved them from that frightening experience. He could have intervened and the furnace would never have been alight.

I spoke to them about threats from Hamas. They say they will attack Israel this week between Remembrance and Independence. They claim to have 200,000 suicide bombers ready to invade into Israel.

I spoke about the critical water shortage and the worldwide food dilemma.

And I pointed out why God allowed the fiery furnace. When observers looked into the flames, they saw a fourth figure. The Lord was in the fire.

As I walked Jerusalem on Shabbat, I sensed the peace of God that passes all understanding. He wants us to know His Shabbat every day but so many wars and rumours of wars seek to bring us down.

“I am with you. I will never leave you or forsake you,” the Voice in this Shabbat seemed to say.

Take time out even now. Go for a walk. Be with the Lord. Hear His voice.

The cares of this world will go strangely dim, in the light of His glorious grace. I promise!

 

Ron Ross resigned as Senior Pastor of Noosa Baptist Church to become National Director of Bridges for Peace Australia. Three years ago he joined Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem to establish international radio news and an audio service webcast at www.bridgesforpeace.com Ron was Sports Editor of WINTV for 20 years before joining the full-time missions. You can contact Ron at : ronrossbfp@hotmail.com