Embracing Divine Rest: The Gift of Sabbath
Summary
In a message delivered by Jason Poznich on December 31, 2023, the focus was on the concept of rest as presented in the Christian faith, particularly through the lens of biblical scripture. The message began with an invitation to reflect on a passage from the Bible, encouraging listeners to identify a word or phrase that resonates with them and to consider what God might be communicating through it. The passage in question, which speaks of taking on a gentle and humble yoke to find rest for the soul, serves as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine rest.
The discussion then shifted to the practice of communion, which is described as an act of restfully receiving the work accomplished through Jesus's death and resurrection. This practice is seen as a continuation of the spiritual work within believers, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The message underscored the importance of being open to what God is stirring within individuals during such spiritual practices.
A significant portion of the message was dedicated to exploring the concept of rest as described in the book of Hebrews. The historical context of rest, dating back to the time of Moses and the creation narrative, was examined to illustrate the enduring nature of God's invitation to rest. The message highlighted the contemporary struggle with balancing work and rest, noting how modern culture often leads to being overworked and under-rested. The idea of rest was expanded beyond physical rest to encompass a state where God's will is carried out to completion in one's life.
The message also included a personal testimony from Danielle Wheeler, who shared her journey of incorporating the spiritual rhythm of Sabbath into her life. She spoke candidly about the initial resistance she felt towards resting and how, over time, the practice became a cherished part of her weekly routine. Danielle's experience illustrated the transformative power of rest and the importance of finding life-giving activities that connect individuals to God and others.
The concept of Sabbath was further explored, with an emphasis on its restorative nature and the importance of embracing human limits. The message challenged the notion that rest is selfish or unproductive, instead presenting it as a divine gift that enables greater productivity and spiritual growth.
The practice of "Lectio Divina," or divine reading, was introduced as a method of restfully receiving God's word. This practice involves reading scripture passages multiple times with a focus on listening for God's personal message to the listener. The message concluded with an invitation to participate in a communal spiritual practice, emphasizing the importance of creating space to rest and receive God's work.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine rest is not merely a physical cessation of work but an invitation to trust in God's completion of His will in our lives. This trust is exemplified in the biblical pattern of working six days and resting on the seventh, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision. [33:09]
- The practice of Sabbath is a gift from God that restores and rejuvenates believers. It is a weekly rhythm that allows individuals and families to reset mentally, physically, and spiritually, aligning them with God's design for rest. [43:04]
- Resistance to rest often stems from a desire to prove worth through achievements. However, true rest leads to increased productivity and allows individuals to let God be God, relinquishing the illusion of control and embracing human limitations. [44:26]
- Sabbath is adaptable to every season of life and should not be postponed until a perceived "right" time. It is an invitation to experience God's restorative presence regardless of life's circumstances, and it can be practiced individually even if others are not participating. [49:18]
- "Lectio Divina" is a spiritual practice that encourages believers to receive scripture restfully. It is a reminder that there is a time for rigorous study and a time for simply receiving the living word of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak personally to each individual. [51:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 4:3-5 (NIV)
> "Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, 'So I declared on oath in my anger, "They shall never enter my rest."' And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: 'On the seventh day God rested from all his works.' And again in the passage above he says, 'They shall never enter my rest.'"
2. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
> "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
3. Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV)
> "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 4:3-5, what is the significance of God's rest being available since the creation of the world? How does this relate to the concept of divine rest? [32:32]
2. In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him? What does He mean by "rest for your souls"?
3. How does the creation narrative in Genesis 2:2-3 establish a pattern or rhythm for rest? How is this pattern reflected in the sermon? [33:09]
4. What personal testimony did Danielle Wheeler share about her initial resistance to Sabbath and how it transformed her life? [42:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the author of Hebrews use the example of the Israelites' unbelief to warn us about missing out on God's rest? What does this teach us about trust and faith? [30:21]
2. What does it mean to "trust restfully" in God, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this concept challenge our modern understanding of productivity and rest? [33:50]
3. How does the practice of "Lectio Divina" help believers restfully receive God's word? What might be the benefits of incorporating this practice into one's spiritual life? [51:17]
4. How does the concept of Sabbath as a "divine gift" challenge the notion that rest is unproductive or selfish? What are the implications for our daily lives? [44:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current work-rest balance. Do you find yourself overworked and under-rested? What steps can you take to incorporate more rest into your weekly routine? [34:28]
2. Danielle Wheeler mentioned feeling "twitchy" and resistant to rest initially. Have you experienced similar feelings when trying to rest? How can you overcome this resistance? [42:21]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of finding life-giving activities that connect us to God and others. What activities do you find life-giving, and how can you incorporate them into your Sabbath practice? [48:10]
4. How can you practice "Lectio Divina" this week? Choose a passage of scripture and describe how you will approach it using this method. [51:17]
5. The sermon emphasized that Sabbath is adaptable to every season of life. What adjustments can you make to practice Sabbath in your current season, even if it seems challenging? [49:18]
6. Reflect on the idea that true rest leads to increased productivity. How can you shift your mindset to see rest as a necessary and beneficial part of your life rather than a hindrance? [44:26]
7. Consider the communal aspect of rest mentioned in the sermon. How can you encourage your family or community to embrace the practice of Sabbath together? What steps can you take to lead by example? [49:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in Divine Completion
Divine rest is an active trust in God's sovereignty, where one ceases from personal striving and embraces the peace of God's perfect will. It is a rhythm of life that acknowledges God's control over all things and our dependence on Him for sustenance and fulfillment. This trust is a form of worship, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our own and that His work in us is complete when we rest in Him. [33:09]
Hebrews 4:9-10 - "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their own work, just as God did from his."
Reflection: How can you practice letting go of your own efforts this week and trust more deeply in God's sovereignty?
Day 2: Embracing Sabbath Restoration
The Sabbath is a divine invitation to rejuvenate not just the body, but also the soul and spirit. It is a time to disconnect from the demands of the world and connect more intimately with God and loved ones. This weekly rhythm is a reminder that life is not about constant production but about finding balance and renewal in God's presence. [43:04]
Isaiah 58:13-14 - "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord."
Reflection: What changes can you make to ensure the Sabbath is a day of delight and spiritual renewal for you?
Day 3: Letting Go of Control for True Productivity
True rest challenges the belief that worth is measured by productivity. It invites one to let go of the need to control and to trust in God's provision. In doing so, individuals often find that they are more productive when they work from a place of rest, as they are aligned with God's pace and purpose for their lives. [44:26]
Psalm 127:1-2 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to release control and trust in God's timing and provision?
Day 4: Sabbath in All Seasons
The practice of Sabbath is not contingent on life's circumstances; it is a consistent invitation to rest in God's presence. It is adaptable and can be a source of strength and peace in every season of life. Embracing the Sabbath means trusting that God is at work even when life is chaotic, and that rest is not only possible but necessary. [49:18]
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Reflection: How can you honor the Sabbath in your current season of life, even if it looks different from what you've known before?
Day 5: Receiving the Word in Rest
"Lectio Divina" is a practice that allows believers to approach scripture with a posture of receptivity, listening for God's voice in a personal and profound way. It is a reminder to slow down and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word, transforming study into a time of divine encounter and rest. [51:17]
Psalm 119:130 - "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."
Reflection: Can you set aside time this week to practice "Lectio Divina" and allow God's word to speak to you in a fresh, restful way?
Quotes
"When we slow down for a day we're saying God I trust that this work it's still going to be there when I get back to the office God I trust that the world will keep spinning when I'm not working God I trust that my bank account will not be overdrawn because I'm not working today God I trust that you are still on your throne and I am not." [33:50] (Download)
"God has an abundance of rest and he's inviting you into his rest... he's looking at you as you head into 24 and he's saying I've got all of this rest that I'm offering to you here, take some of mine." [35:02] (Download)
"God invites you to his rest today... the when of the invitation when is God's rest available now today the author of Hebrews says it's available to us right here right now." [35:45] (Download)
"Sabbath is a gift that God has for each one of us and a rhythm of rest and it's when we slow down that we become more attuned to the voice and the movement of God within us." [49:57] (Download)
"Sabbath is an invitation no matter your season of life... it's not an invitation just for retirees, this is an invitation that God has for all of us." [49:18] (Download)
"We restfully receive the work that has already been accomplished in Jesus's death and Resurrection; we get to receive it." [59:44] (Download)
"God's invitation to his rest still stands so if God's invitation stood in Moses, in David, in the days of Hebrews, then certainly God's invitation stands today." [37:02] (Download)
"Can I suggest to you that as we head into the new year that maybe one of the godliest things that you can do to kick off 2024 is just take a nap. God gives you his permission; he's inviting you into his rest right now." [38:30] (Download)
"When we rest, we are anticipating a future rest. This is a hopeful rest that anticipates our Heavenly rest." [39:14] (Download)
"The power of Sabbath for me came as a gradual unwinding as every week we stopped to rest and my mind, my body, my soul reset. Now, I don't resist it anymore, I long for Sabbath and I melt into Sabbath every week." [43:04] (Download)
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