Sabbath pt.3
The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. 17 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”
Exodus 31:16-17
On Saturday, I suggested that one of the reasons we are tired is because of how we rest. Entertainment and the plethora of fun activities at our disposal causes us to be drained more than we might have been because we now constantly wrestle while we work and do anything that’s not enjoyable.
But how could we rest in a way that is actually restorative? Well, if you heard the sermon, you will know that Sabbath is no longer a command we must follow but instead a piece of God-given wisdom we would be wise to consider.
What if we had a day of rest from the things that drain us. Yes, from ordinary work. Let’s start there. Not letting our vocational work or study bleed into our rest day. Even if that means working a bit harder say Monday-Saturday (depending on your day of rest).
What if we also had a rest day from other things that exhaust us. Like technology or complex decision making. For you it might even be parenting. Now, it might be a bit hard to have a full-day of rest depending on the age of your kids. But maybe you could organise with your husband/wife or someone else so that they and you could get half a day?
If we rest well, maybe we wouldn’t be so exhausted and maybe we would be able to keep working hard as people who have an ultimate rest to come.
For Today:
Pray:
Exodus 31:16-17
On Saturday, I suggested that one of the reasons we are tired is because of how we rest. Entertainment and the plethora of fun activities at our disposal causes us to be drained more than we might have been because we now constantly wrestle while we work and do anything that’s not enjoyable.
But how could we rest in a way that is actually restorative? Well, if you heard the sermon, you will know that Sabbath is no longer a command we must follow but instead a piece of God-given wisdom we would be wise to consider.
What if we had a day of rest from the things that drain us. Yes, from ordinary work. Let’s start there. Not letting our vocational work or study bleed into our rest day. Even if that means working a bit harder say Monday-Saturday (depending on your day of rest).
What if we also had a rest day from other things that exhaust us. Like technology or complex decision making. For you it might even be parenting. Now, it might be a bit hard to have a full-day of rest depending on the age of your kids. But maybe you could organise with your husband/wife or someone else so that they and you could get half a day?
If we rest well, maybe we wouldn’t be so exhausted and maybe we would be able to keep working hard as people who have an ultimate rest to come.
For Today:
- Is there something you do to rest that probably isn’t restorative?
- What is one thing that drains you that you should avoid on a rest day?
- Commit to having a day of rest.
Pray:
- Praise God that He is not exhausted by our drama.
- Give thanks for Jesus who is now resting from His work.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others be wise with your rest.
Posted in Exodus
No Comments