Dear Readers, Happy Sunday morning! I hope that whatever time zone this message finds you in, that you are enjoying the Sabbath rest of God today.
The Bible tells us that the Lord created all that we see in 6 days and on the seventh day He rested. I’m not blogging today to argue whether those were 6 literal days or 6 “God-time” days. I want to bring up the point that God rested on one day to revel in the “goodness” of His creation. He sat back, put His feet up, so to speak, and appreciated Himself and His handiwork.
And then in Exodus, the Lord unpacks the truth that we should also enjoy a Sabbath rest. Why do you think the Father would want us to observe a Sabbath rest? What would His purpose be in that command?
Exodus 20:8“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
My thought is that He knows that we need to rest or we will allow the pressures of this world to drive us to exhaustion. He also knows that if we keep our eyes focused on our task list, we will worship what we gaze upon. So if we are encouraged to take our eyes off this world for a 24 hour period and allow our eyes to gaze upon the Lord more than we usually do, it will reset our hearts on a weekly basis.
I assume that most of you reading this post shower or bathe every day. Why? You know that life on this planet causes odors and dirt to accumulate on your body and in your hair. You don’t criticize yourself for needing a shower frequently. You just do it to maintain cleanliness. It’s the same thing with the Sabbath. This is our “shower” from the stench of this world’s system that can get on us from just living 6 days in the midst of it.
The Lord tells us in John 17:14-19 to be in the world but not of it. John 17:14-19
And that’s where Sabbath comes in.
So what is the purpose of Sabbath:
- Reset out hearts and focus back on eternal things and our unique purpose in this world.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
- Rest in God and remind ourselves Who He is. Put the glory of God back into our sights and magnify His greatness over all things.
Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.
- Enjoy the Lord and worship Him
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Obviously, these three actions are not something we reserve for just one day a week. We reset our hearts and thinking every day and worship the Lord every day. But when we have one day out the week that we give more focus and attention to the Lord, we deepen that connection and expand our devotion.
I encourage you not to turn away from the truths that God has set up in His word. Ask Him today how you can observe the Sabbath in your way, in your church, in your home and in your heart. It’s not an old-fashioned concept. It’s a timeless truth that keeps us fired up, re-charges our battery and renews our focus on what is really important.
Enjoy the presence of the Lord today. Take time to breathe and enjoy God’s blessings in your life. And have a wonderful week!
You must log in to post a comment.