Honor the Sabbath

Isaiah 58:13-14 (NRSV)
 
If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath,
from pursuing your own interests on my holy day;
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs;
then you shall take delight in the Lord,
and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
 

Reflection
 
Have you ever heard the expression, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it”? Some people are seemingly hard-wired to be in perpetual motion – always working on something, busy with various projects, never just sitting around and doing nothing. But here is an important point. After six days of turning chaos into perfect order, even God rested. And since we were created in His image, what does this tell you? Just as God rested, He created us to also need down time.
 
I wonder what that very first day of rest was like. Is it possible that God and Adam strolled together through the garden, just enjoying all the fresh and beautiful sights, sounds, and fragrances? Maybe as they walked together in perfect communion, Adam began naming all the wonderous creatures God had just created.

Yet having a day of rest, what God calls a Sabbath day, is not just for sleeping, relaxing and simply not working. It is a time to refocus on God, worshipping Him, praying and meditating, studying the Bible. It’s also a time to enjoy fellowship with other Christians, bond with friends and family, and perhaps help others.

I think God would be very pleased if we chose to follow the literal meaning of the fourth commandment, and truly experience a Sabbath day. What is at the heart of having a Sabbath day? It is about joyfully honoring God, and not putting your energy into simply doing your own thing. And once again, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has found a way for us.

Through the blood of Jesus, the Sabbath takes on new meaning and purpose, instead of being yet another rule to follow (Colossians 2:16–17). Our enduring relationship with Christ is where we find the fullest expression of rest. We can go to Him daily, hourly, or even a few minutes, and find spiritual rest in Him. The most important thing is that we slow down our busy lives and take time to worship and be with God. Then we will find the perfect rest that we can only find through Jesus.


Action Steps
 

1. Read 1 Samuel 21:1-6 and Matthew 12:1-8. What does this tell you about the relationship between the Law of Moses and Jesus’ love for us?
2. Choose a deliberate and consistent day, or some period of time, for your Sabbath. Whether it is 15 minutes before you leave for work, 30 minutes during your lunch period, or a full day away from work, be devoted to God and in pursuit of His restorative power during this time.

 

Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, You have done so much for me; I want to spend more time with You. I want to experience the rest and peace that only You can provide. Help me prioritize my life better, always putting time with You as my most important priority. I want to know You better, and I want to feel the restorative power that only You can give. Amen.