Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild animals may eat. You shall do the same with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, January 6, 2021
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
The Israelites were wandering the wilderness for what would become a 40-year nomadic journey. God had sent manna and quail for food, but nobody can survive on manna and quail for 40 years. The people, having been slaves and farm workers in Egypt, knew how to plant, grow, and tend to crops. Planting and harvesting became part of their routine.
God knew something they didn't. Rest is essential for all of God's creation. Not only for the people and the animals, but for the land, too. God commanded that the people let the land rest every seven years.
Today, science has determined that crop rotation (the practice of moving different types of plants to different parts of the soil) helps balance soil fertility (you let the soil rest so you don't deplete all the same nutrients year after year) and prevents plant-killing diseases and pests. Who knew God was such a green thumb? (Oh, wait... everybody.)
When do you take time for rest?
