Reflecting on "Holy" Time

Have you ever had the experience, especially with reading the Scriptures, where you've read a text more than once ... then someone points out something to you that changes the way you relate to what you're reading?

Since making the change from Wednesday to Friday for this email update, knowing that I made the change to reflect our remembrance of Sabbath, I've been pondering the day that begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown the next day. A mere 24 hours of time. An important day to most of us as we race to catch up, push forward, slow down, have fun ... or whatever else consumes the day we call Saturday.

Here's what I was reading: Genesis 1:1 - 2:3. Yes, the Creation Account. I was reading it again while reflecting on some comments about Intelligent Design from a scientist who doesn't fully buy into the way evolution is portrayed in today's culture (that is another story). What struck me when reading is the emphasis on "space" throughout the first six days of the Record and the shift of emphasis to "time" on the seventh day.

As the first six days draw to a close, God saw all that He had made. As part of this overview comes the comment that "it was very good." God views the content of creation with a sense of contentment. Interesting how the two words are related: "content" and "contentment." I suspect this highlights the importance of the created world for our lives and to our lives as we go about our daily tasks. What, really, does "contentment" mean to most of us?

In reading this Account again, what was pointed out that suddenly drew deeper significance to me was "notice that there is no 'holy' mountain or place, but there is a 'holy' day." Hmmm. With everything created viewed as "good," the reality of holiness - being sacred, unique, set apart - is granted only to the seventh day. No where in the realm of "space" did God call anything "holy." But, in the realm of "time" comes the revelation of the Divine mystery and majesty - the Holy.

Now, I'm wondering if our original parents, as they engaged and enjoyed the created world (over which they were named as caretakers in partnership with the Creator), relished in their relationship with Him in "holy" time. And, I wonder if the Fall took place on the "holy" day.

Tell you what, if you want to ponder these things with me, I'd be glad to hear your thoughts.