REFRESHED!

REFRESHED!

Ex 23:12

12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

1 Sam 16:23

23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

2 Tim 1:16

16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

          The word “refreshed” is found ten times in our Authorized Version. In the Old Testament it is usually translated from the Hebrew word naphash which means “to breathe.” One can easily understand how a laborer or runner would stop for a “breather.” In the New Testament the word is usually translated from the Greek word anapano which means “to repose or to lie down.”  

          I just returned from a grueling three-day counseling modular. The days began early and ended late. The longest day, day two, was a thirteen hour day! However, after a good night’s sleep in my own bed, I feel refreshed. I understand what it is like to take a deep breath and to lay down. This morning I am ready to resume my activities with renewed strength.

          It is interesting that the very first time the word “refreshed” is used is in Exodus 23:12 when God gave us the Sabbath. All the machinery of labor was turned off; all the working animals were unshackled and given fresh food and water; and all the servants received a day off. God thought of everything; even our need to be refreshed.

          While Paul was in prison, one man dared to leave Ephesus and come to Rome to refresh Paul. Onesiphorus’ name means “profit-bearing.” He likely brought food and clothing as well as good news from the church. You can almost hear Paul take a deep breath as the tension relaxes from his neck and shoulders.

          Saturday is the day set aside for refreshment of the body and mind while Sunday is for the refreshment of the spirit. So take a deep breath and get ready for church! Let your spirit be refreshed by meeting once again with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let your soul be refreshed by a new encounter with Jesus.

Dear Lord, let me and the church be refreshed today. Meet with us and let our spirits have repose. AMEN