Walking, running, leaping, and climbing obviously qualify as physical exercises leading to better health and an aerobic lifestyle. Sitting at first glance doesn’t seem to fit. It suggests a sedentary life and spectatoritis rather than participation. In the exercise cycle, however, sitting could suggest needed rest between active exercises. We all need a breather before resuming exercise.
The psalmist talks about refusing to sit with the wicked (Psalm 26:5) and describes the man as blessed who does not “sit in the seat of mockers” (Psalm 1:1). Amos criticizes a self-serving elite who lounge on couches to dine on fattened calves (Amos 6:4).
But Moses gives important advice to Israel ready to enter the Promised Land. He asks them to worship the Lord our God as one Lord and to love Him with heart, soul, and strength. He then instructs them to share God’s teaching with their children in every aspect of life. Moses tells Israel, “Talk about them when you sit at home.” Sitting at home provides a needed opportunity to study the Word of God and teach the whole family about God’s love in Jesus Christ for lost sinners.
We remember Jesus commending Mary for sitting at His feet and hearing the one thing needful. We sit to rest and let God refresh us through worship and study of the Word so that we can rise to serve Him through walking, running, leaping, and climbing. Through Christ we can anticipate the promise of Revelation, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21).
PRAYER: O Lord, teach us to rest and let You refresh us through Your Word so that we can rise to continue to serve You. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)