We are in a sermon series that is near to my heart and my life situation right now. The series is called, “Give it a Rest!” in which we focus on the biblical mandate and gift called a Sabbath.

The origins, of course, come from the commandment that was received during the Exodus in which God said, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” Talk about an unbelievable gift. For these former slaves in Egypt to be given a day off once a week was unheard of. In fact, so rare was this concept of a day off, no other culture during this time had such a thing.

Of course, as time went on, that which began as a gift soon became a burden. How many steps can I walk on the Sabbath? How big of a fire can I make to cook? Can I feed my livestock, pick an apple or clean the bathroom? Pretty soon, the Sabbath became onerous.

That’s why we sometimes need a “forced sabbath. Covid was a forced sabbath for some. A flu bug can be a forced sabbath for others. Unemployment or a power outage, or in my case, surgery can be a forced sabbath.

My “forced sabbath” will begin on November 24. As I mentioned in my congregational email sent out this morning, Gretchen and I will be flying to Boston for prostate surgery at Mass General Hospital. The doctors and we are very optimistic about the prognosis. Everything seems to be contained within the prostate, and the hope to be cancer free after this surgery is very high. Nevertheless, I welcome your prayers, cards and greetings.  I have spent a lifetime praying for others in this very situation, and now I ask for you to do the same for me.

But I’m not going to lie. It’s going to be a little weird recovering during the busy season of Advent and Christmas. But cancer never comes at a convenient time, nor is it wise to postpone it because of some Christmas obligations.

What will I do during my “forced sabbath?” Well, for one, take the time to fully recover, which will be sometime in mid-January before I return. Second, I’m going to read through the New Testament. So much of my study of scripture is for sermon or bible study preparation. This will be more for devotional reading. Third, combine that reading with some extended time of prayer and journaling.

Listen. I’m going to be just fine. I have a lot of confidence in this surgical team and faith in God as my Great Physician. And I’m actually looking forward to a little “forced sabbath” to reconnect with God, my family and good friends so that come January, I will be refreshed and healthy when I return.

If there is one good thing coming out of this is my encouragement to all guys 50 and above: Get your PSA checked annually! There are no symptoms. If this cancer spreads outside of the prostate, the treatment and prognosis are much more dire. This is the most common cancer among men, and we don’t talk about it. Get your PSA checked!

Time to Get Healthy,

Pastor Scott