A welcome disruption

Dec 16, 2019 prayer sabbath South Africa

Although it seems that load-shedding is likely to start easing now, this last week saw South Africa experience level six load-shedding for the first time ever. Someone joked that when we get to level eight, an official from Eskom will come to your house and blow out your candles :)

Yes, it’s been hugely disruptive (and especially frustrating to business owners and damaging to our national economy). But every time we go through this, I’m reminded of how necessary an occasional disruption of this kind is to our lives. The Jewish law required strict compliance with the Sabbath (and the practice is also woven into the Christian tradition), but it seems that it is only when Eskom switches off the lights that we truly stop. We put down our devices; we disconnect from the constant flow of information coming at us; we sit and talk. Maybe none of these things would have happened without the disruption forced on us with Eskom’s help :)

So, this week, I tidied my office at the church and cleared out all sorts of stuff that had literally been accumulating for years. At home, we read, went for walks, arranged furniture, and talked. A welcome disruption!

With all the disruptions of our family’s move, we’ve had no TV or Internet at home until Friday. Now that they’re back, the question is, will we be disciplined enough to turn it all off occasionally and experience the gift of Sabbath. Or will we need a little help from Eskom?

Late last year, we read Luke’s version of the parable of the persistent widow. Jesus concluded the parable by saying that he will give justice to those who cry out to him for help, “But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?” (Luke 18:8). In this season of preparing to welcome the King, may we intentionally make space for quiet, listening prayer (whether or not the lights are on!