Reading and Resting
Over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed several conversations about the Sabbath. Instead of arguing for a particular view of the Sabbath or answering the question of do/don’t, let me instead spend a moment and discuss what I enjoy doing on the Sabbath - reading. Each Sunday, I pick a special book and only read it on Sunday. I tend to pick books that are devotional or that encourage me onward in my own Christian life. This provides a concrete way for me to sanctify the Sabbath day “by a holy resting all that day” by “spending the whole time in public and private exercises of God’s worship.” (WSC 60)
Now, allow me to provide a brief list of Sabbath recommendations with a brief description.
Martin, Hugh; The Shdow of Calvary. In this collection of sermons, Hugh Martin (1822-1885) moves us from the prayer of Jesus through His arrest and trial. This is my current “Sabbath Book.” These sermons average at about 20 pages each and powerfully move us through these key moments in Christ’s life. I often read only one because my heart cannot handle another. Hugh Martin does a wonderful job in demonstrating the great love of Christ for sinners.
Bonar, Andrew; The Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyne. Written by a dear friend, the first half of this volume contains a moving biography of a man who dedicated every ounce of his life to Christ. M’Cheyne was known for the revivals which happened in Dundee in Scotland and for his ceaseless desire for holiness. This biography has moved generations of Christians and will likely spur on your own love for Christ.
Lennie, Tom; The Land of Many Revivals. Tom Lennie covers the many revivals in Scotland from 1527-1857. In these, you will find the many extraordinary ways in which God works through ordinary people in incredibly dark and dismal times. Both MJ Hubbard and I have read this with great joy. If you love them, he has three other volumes which bring us into the 1960s.
Ryle, J.C.; Holiness. J.C. Ryle’s Holiness has been repeated for many ages for a reason. He wonderfully assesses the beauty of holiness and the obstacles to its enjoyment. Each chapter is short, covering one topic in a thorough and pastoral manner. When you finish, you will find yourself knowing your own heart better.
Ferguson, Sinclair; Romans. One great way to spend the Sabbath is to spend time in a particular book, and the “Let’s Study” series by Banner of Truth Publishing has become a staple for fruitful study. While many of us seek to read through large portions of the Bible each year, a slow, marinating study through a book may be a breath of fresh air. You will be surprised how much you can absorb when you slow down. They have volumes covering almost every book of the New Testament.
van Dixhoorn, Chad; Confessing the Faith: A Reader’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Our Confession of Faith spans 33 chapters, and Chad van Dixhoorn provides an accessible volume to appreciate and apply those truths to our lives today. He does this by understanding the biblical, theological, and historical background of each paragraph of the Confession. Over the course of several Sabbaths, you would find yourself able to read the Bible better and appreciate our Presbyterian tradition more.
Do you have any recommendations? I could think of dozens more, but this provides us a sampling of possibilities. In whatever course you take, let us all be intentional in making the Sabbath a day of rest and a day of worship.
