Devon Dick
TWO RECENT ARTICLES, one by Gleaner columnist Arnold Bertram and the other by psychiatrist Dr. Tony Allen about a more activist role for the Church in Jamaica has prompted this response of suggesting that a return to the two reasons for Sabbath keeping might help. There has been a neglect of the motivation for Sabbath keeping hence an impoverished understanding of the role of God in society.
In the Bible, there are two justifications for observing the Sabbath. These are: commemoration of creation and acknowledgement and celebration of deliverance from slavery.
Exodus 20:8 said "Remember the Sabbath Day ... for in six days the Lord made the heavens and earth" and in Deuteronomy 5: 15 it states:
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy ... Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
CREATING THE UNIVERSE IN SIX
Most Christians who observe the Sabbath day (Rest day) locate the rationale in the statement that God created the universe in six days while neglecting that God commanded the Sabbath observance because of the deliverance from Egyptian enslavement.
God is a mighty deliverer. He is interested in everything that physically enslaves us. In fact, every weekly congregational worship experience is a time to remember the emancipation from British bondage in 1838. What a difference our worship of God would be if we were to thank God for his deliverance from degrading slavery.
In addition, next year's observance of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slave trade would take on new meaning. Many have forgotten the atrocities committed during slavery. There was a time when people in Jamaica were killed for praying to God. There was a time certain preachers were jailed for preaching. There was a time when persons of African descent were not considered human beings! Men were treated as studs and women as sex objects. God has wrought a mighty deliverance.
Sadly, many persons are oppressed and Jamaicans need to understand that God has heard their cries and is a mighty deliverer from any thing that dehumanises and enslaves. Therefore, God can deliver those who are victims of human trafficking in Jamaica. The great deliverer can help persons who live in fear of dons, gunmen and police brutality. God hears the cries of those who are underpaid and on minimum wage. Christians must understand that God wants us to confront the "Pharaohs" in the name of God and experience freedom.
LIBERATED UNDERSTANDING
Therefore, if the resurrection of Christ is re-interpreted to embody a time to worship God as creator and deliverer from the bondage of slavery and sin then our worship of God would be richer and understanding of God more liberating.
In addition, Sabbath keeping has been neglected. A recent survey in England discovered that British citizens, who were over-worked, had low productivity.
Many Jamaican workers have to work long hours and some seven days a week. These include security guards, police, junior doctors, nurses, domestic helpers, politicians, construction workers, media and hotel workers, pastors etc. This will affect productivity.
There has been a pre-occupation with wealth creation to the neglect of workers' health. People need to rest so that there is time for family life, entertainment, sports, volunteerism and worship.
Worship of God must be predicated on the reasons for Sabbath keeping - the wonderful creation and the marvellous deliverance from enslavement. Let the people rest. Now, think on these things and for this cause, become an activist.
Rev. Devon Dick is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church and author of 'Rebellion to Riot: the Church in Nation Building'.
