Shabbat Shalom

Today, is Labor day--a day of rest. And while we're resting, it's a wonderful day to discuss Sabbath rest.

I was corresponding with Ruth from It's True Sighed Roo, and her words were so perfect, I asked if I could share them. I notice that Ruth doesn't capitalize her words, but I'm leaving them because I love the way she writes.

She's truly a beautiful soul, and this is what she wrote me...

i've been remembering the parable of the wise and foolish virgins and seeing my self (unforchunately) so often pulled to the foolish side of the fence. they were all waiting to meet their bridegroom! the dresses had been bought -- the hair had been styled -- the lamps were in their hand......

when i was in israel serving at a christian coffee shop in the old city of jerusalem....i would literally count the hours until i could have my quiet time. i so longed for that intimacy with my creator. i remember getting up at 6 or 7am every day...and going to the roof top and reading my bible and praying and journalling and singing until 12 noon! nearly everyday. my heart was soooo full.

and now, i am aching to get back to that. somehow it slipped away on me. sure,life is different now and i am a mommy and a wife with other responsibilies. but truth be told, i often allow little foxes/distractions to take away moments i should be spendingwith HIM.

may we know TRUE SHABBAT in every part of our lives...so that we can be living water to those are are sooo very thirsty. love ya darlene...

A few days ago, Ruth sent me a letter telling me what Shabbat Shalom was...

Shabbat is a hebrew holiday. God gave to Israel in the OT. (GEn 2:1-3 - EX 20:8-11 - Ex 31:12-17 - Lev 23:3 - Duet 12-13) I know you will remember hearing about "Shabbat" in the bible. And traditional Jewish families continue to celebrate this custom today. The Shabbat meal is one of the most beautiful meals I have ever experienced in all my life.

The greeting "Shabbat Shalom" comes from the literal meaning of "SABBATH PEACE" or "SABBATH REST". In israel you will hear the greeting "shalom" wherever you go but on "shabbat" (which begins at sundowon on friday and ends at sundown on saturday) you will hear "SHABBAT SHALOM" as a greeting. On shabbat there is no work allowed. It is to be a day of rest. (Something we know very little of in our culture)

The greeting is meant as a blessing and the definition is heavy with richness and meaning. I've spent some time in israel and it changed me. It's amazing to go to a land you have read about - heard about your entire life and see with your eyes the very places you heard about in sunday school.

And spend time with the very people and the very culture that your Lord and saviour came through.

The feasts in the OT all mirror or forshadow things that relate to the Messiah. Our Messiah and so when we give the greeting "SHabbat SHalom" it means so much more to believers then just the tradtional greeting given once a week. It symbolises the rest and peace and blessing and prosperity we are called to walk in as believers in JEsus Christ. And not just once a week. ALL WEEK LONG. ALL DAY LONG. something i often fail in but I know is possible only through Him.

There's more...but I don't know where to stop with stuff like this!!! ahhh. Shabbat Shalom Darlene. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.....the God of Israel continue to lead you in his peace.

Thank you Ruth. You inspire me to dig into Old Testament books!

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visit Ruth at her blog, It's True Sighed Roo