Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest for Our Souls
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound importance of Sabbath and rest, a practice deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. Reflecting on my own journey, I admitted that for a long time, I did not appreciate the significance of rest. However, through the writings of influential Christian thinkers like Dallas Willard, John Mark Comer, and John Ortberg, my perspective has drastically changed. These teachings have reoriented my understanding of the spiritual habits that Jesus modeled, emphasizing that following Jesus is not just about attending church services but about adopting His way of life every day.
We explored Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites us to take His easy yoke and find rest for our souls. This invitation is crucial in our modern context, where low-grade exhaustion has become the norm. Historically, people slept much more than we do today, and while physical rest is essential, Jesus speaks to a deeper need for soul rest. This kind of rest cannot be achieved by merely taking vacations or catching up on sleep; it requires a fundamental change in how we live our lives.
We took a brief detour to celebrate the joy of Easter, emphasizing that Jesus' life between His birth and resurrection is a model for how we should live. Our goal as Christians is not just to believe in the gospel for salvation but to let it transform us into the likeness of Jesus. This transformation involves adopting the practices and attitudes that Jesus exemplified, including the practice of Sabbath.
Sabbath, or Shabbat in Hebrew, means to stop, cease, and be done. It's a practice that goes against the grain of our culture, which idolizes accomplishment and accumulation. We live in a society that never stops, always chasing the next thing, and this relentless pace is akin to the slavery of ancient Egypt. The Sabbath commandment reminds us that we are not slaves; we are free people under a new King, Jesus, who offers us rest.
We discussed the historical and biblical context of Sabbath, noting that even God rested on the seventh day after creation. This rest is not just a physical cessation of work but a holistic rest that includes stopping, resting, delighting, and worshiping. We focused on the first two aspects today, with plans to explore delight and worship in future sermons.
The Sabbath is a gift from God, a time to stop and remember that we are not machines. It's a time to rest from all forms of work, including mental work and worrying. Neuroscientists tell us that even thinking about work can produce stress chemicals in our brains, so true rest involves a complete mental and emotional break from our daily labors.
We also looked at the two instances of the Sabbath commandment in the Bible, one in Exodus and the other in Deuteronomy. While the command is the same, the rationale differs. In Exodus, it's grounded in the creation story, while in Deuteronomy, it's tied to the liberation from Egypt. This dual rationale underscores the importance of Sabbath as both a creation ordinance and a liberation practice.
In practical terms, I shared how my family has adopted the practice of Sabbath, starting from Friday dinner to Saturday morning. This intentional time of rest has brought us closer together and has been a source of joy and connection. Despite the challenges and the internal and external resistance we face, practicing Sabbath is a way to align ourselves with God's rhythm and resist the relentless pace of modern life.
Finally, we acknowledged that Sabbath is not just a command but a gift that allows us to live more deeply in God's love and presence. It's a keystone habit that can transform our entire week, making us more loving, joyful, and peaceful people.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Soul Rest: Jesus invites us to take His easy yoke and find rest for our souls, addressing a deeper need than just physical rest. In our modern world, where low-grade exhaustion is the norm, this kind of rest requires a fundamental change in how we live our lives. It's not just about taking breaks but about adopting a lifestyle that aligns with Jesus' teachings. [06:45]
2. Sabbath as a Gift and Command: The Sabbath is both a gift and a command from God. It is a time to stop, rest, delight, and worship. This practice is deeply rooted in the creation story and the liberation from Egypt, reminding us that we are not slaves but free people under a new King. Observing the Sabbath helps us resist the relentless pace of modern life and align ourselves with God's rhythm. [12:55]
3. Practical Application of Sabbath: Practicing Sabbath involves more than just ceasing physical work; it includes mental and emotional rest. Neuroscientists tell us that even thinking about work can produce stress chemicals in our brains. Therefore, true rest involves a complete mental and emotional break from our daily labors. This holistic approach to rest is essential for our well-being. [25:41]
4. Sabbath as Identity Formation: Sabbath is a weekly reminder of who we are and who we belong to. It helps us remember that life is a gift, not a right, and that we are loved by God. This practice is crucial for our identity formation, helping us resist the internal and external pressures of modern life and live in gratitude and rest. [25:02]
5. Sabbath as Resistance: Observing the Sabbath is an act of resistance against the twin idols of accomplishment and accumulation. It is a way of saying "enough" to the relentless demands of modern life. By practicing Sabbath, we align ourselves with the God of rest and resist the internal dynamics of restlessness in our fallen hearts. This practice requires intentionality and preparation but offers profound spiritual benefits. [33:12]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Introduction to the Way of Jesus
[04:09] - Personal Journey with Sabbath
[05:49] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[06:45] - The Need for Soul Rest
[08:15] - Modern Exhaustion and Its Causes
[09:42] - The Greatest Commandment and Exhaustion
[12:00] - The Importance of Recharging Fully
[12:55] - The Meaning of Sabbath
[14:15] - God Sabbathed
[18:27] - Historical Examples of Sabbath Benefits
[20:01] - The Commandment of Sabbath
[22:06] - Sabbath as Wisdom
[25:02] - Sabbath and Identity Formation
[25:41] - Rest from All Work
[27:12] - The Two Sabbath Commandments
[30:14] - The Spirit of Pharaoh in Modern Life
[33:12] - Sabbath as Resistance
[36:16] - Internal and External Resistance
[38:51] - The Impact of Practicing Sabbath
[40:06] - Personal Family Experience with Sabbath
[41:16] - Invitation to Adopt Sabbath
[42:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:28-30: "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."
2. Genesis 2:1-3: "Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 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."
3. Exodus 20:8-11: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to those who come to Him in Matthew 11:28-30?
2. According to Genesis 2:1-3, what did God do on the seventh day after creation?
3. In Exodus 20:8-11, what are the specific instructions given for observing the Sabbath?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 address the issue of modern exhaustion? [06:45]
2. What is the significance of God resting on the seventh day in Genesis 2:1-3, and how does it relate to the practice of Sabbath? [13:36]
3. Why is the Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-11 considered both a gift and a command, and how does it serve as a reminder of our identity in God? [20:01]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Matthew 11:28-30, what are some practical steps you can take to accept Jesus' invitation to find rest for your soul? [06:45]
2. How can you incorporate the practice of Sabbath into your weekly routine to ensure you are not just physically resting but also finding soul rest? [12:55]
3. In what ways can you resist the cultural pressures of accomplishment and accumulation by observing the Sabbath? [33:12]
4. How can you create a Sabbath practice that includes not only ceasing from work but also delighting and worshiping, as mentioned in the sermon? [12:55]
5. What are some specific challenges you might face in trying to observe the Sabbath, and how can you prepare to overcome them? [36:16]
6. How can the practice of Sabbath help you in your identity formation as a follower of Jesus, reminding you that you are loved by God and not defined by your productivity? [25:02]
7. Think about your current lifestyle. What changes can you make to ensure that you are living in alignment with God's rhythm and not the relentless pace of modern life? [41:16]
Devotional
Sure, let's proceed step-by-step.
### Step 1: Themes
1. Soul Rest in Jesus
2. Sabbath: A Divine Gift and Command
3. Holistic Rest: Mind, Body, and Spirit
4. Sabbath and Our True Identity
5. Sabbath as Resistance to Modern Idols
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. Soul Rest in Jesus: Jesus invites us to take His easy yoke and find rest for our souls, addressing a deeper need than just physical rest. In our modern world, where low-grade exhaustion is the norm, this kind of rest requires a fundamental change in how we live our lives. It's not just about taking breaks but about adopting a lifestyle that aligns with Jesus' teachings. [06:45]
2. Sabbath: A Divine Gift and Command: The Sabbath is both a gift and a command from God. It is a time to stop, rest, delight, and worship. This practice is deeply rooted in the creation story and the liberation from Egypt, reminding us that we are not slaves but free people under a new King. Observing the Sabbath helps us resist the relentless pace of modern life and align ourselves with God's rhythm. [12:55]
3. Holistic Rest: Mind, Body, and Spirit: Practicing Sabbath involves more than just ceasing physical work; it includes mental and emotional rest. Neuroscientists tell us that even thinking about work can produce stress chemicals in our brains. Therefore, true rest involves a complete mental and emotional break from our daily labors. This holistic approach to rest is essential for our well-being. [25:41]
4. Sabbath and Our True Identity: Sabbath is a weekly reminder of who we are and who we belong to. It helps us remember that life is a gift, not a right, and that we are loved by God. This practice is crucial for our identity formation, helping us resist the internal and external pressures of modern life and live in gratitude and rest. [25:02]
5. Sabbath as Resistance to Modern Idols: Observing the Sabbath is an act of resistance against the twin idols of accomplishment and accumulation. It is a way of saying "enough" to the relentless demands of modern life. By practicing Sabbath, we align ourselves with the God of rest and resist the internal dynamics of restlessness in our fallen hearts. This practice requires intentionality and preparation but offers profound spiritual benefits. [33:12]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. Soul Rest in Jesus: "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)
2. Sabbath: A Divine Gift and Command: "And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'" (Mark 2:27-28, ESV)
3. Holistic Rest: Mind, Body, and Spirit: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, ESV)
4. Sabbath and Our True Identity: "But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?" (Galatians 4:9, ESV)
5. Sabbath as Resistance to Modern Idols: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36, ESV)
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. Soul Rest in Jesus: What are some ways you can intentionally seek soul rest in Jesus today, beyond just physical rest?
2. Sabbath: A Divine Gift and Command: How can you begin to view the Sabbath as both a gift and a command from God, and what steps can you take to observe it more faithfully?
3. Holistic Rest: Mind, Body, and Spirit: What mental and emotional activities do you need to cease in order to experience true rest? How can you create space for this in your weekly routine?
4. Sabbath and Our True Identity: How does practicing Sabbath help you remember your true identity in Christ? What specific pressures or identities do you need to resist this week?
5. Sabbath as Resistance to Modern Idols: In what ways are you tempted to idolize accomplishment and accumulation? How can practicing Sabbath help you resist these temptations?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Soul Rest in Jesus
Jesus invites us to take His easy yoke and find rest for our souls, addressing a deeper need than just physical rest. In our modern world, where low-grade exhaustion is the norm, this kind of rest requires a fundamental change in how we live our lives. It's not just about taking breaks but about adopting a lifestyle that aligns with Jesus' teachings. [06:45]
"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)
Reflection: What are some ways you can intentionally seek soul rest in Jesus today, beyond just physical rest?
Day 2: Sabbath: A Divine Gift and Command
The Sabbath is both a gift and a command from God. It is a time to stop, rest, delight, and worship. This practice is deeply rooted in the creation story and the liberation from Egypt, reminding us that we are not slaves but free people under a new King. Observing the Sabbath helps us resist the relentless pace of modern life and align ourselves with God's rhythm. [12:55]
"And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'" (Mark 2:27-28, ESV)
Reflection: How can you begin to view the Sabbath as both a gift and a command from God, and what steps can you take to observe it more faithfully?
Day 3: Holistic Rest: Mind, Body, and Spirit
Practicing Sabbath involves more than just ceasing physical work; it includes mental and emotional rest. Neuroscientists tell us that even thinking about work can produce stress chemicals in our brains. Therefore, true rest involves a complete mental and emotional break from our daily labors. This holistic approach to rest is essential for our well-being. [25:41]
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: What mental and emotional activities do you need to cease in order to experience true rest? How can you create space for this in your weekly routine?
Day 4: Sabbath and Our True Identity
Sabbath is a weekly reminder of who we are and who we belong to. It helps us remember that life is a gift, not a right, and that we are loved by God. This practice is crucial for our identity formation, helping us resist the internal and external pressures of modern life and live in gratitude and rest. [25:02]
"But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?" (Galatians 4:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does practicing Sabbath help you remember your true identity in Christ? What specific pressures or identities do you need to resist this week?
Day 5: Sabbath as Resistance to Modern Idols
Observing the Sabbath is an act of resistance against the twin idols of accomplishment and accumulation. It is a way of saying "enough" to the relentless demands of modern life. By practicing Sabbath, we align ourselves with the God of rest and resist the internal dynamics of restlessness in our fallen hearts. This practice requires intentionality and preparation but offers profound spiritual benefits. [33:12]
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to idolize accomplishment and accumulation? How can practicing Sabbath help you resist these temptations?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The always-on work culture that says you're never off. You always need to be available for emails and phone calls and texts. The rising cost of living that makes more and more people need to work multiple jobs just to pay the bills and stay afloat. The digital age with the phone that never stops buzzing, the constant stream of notifications. How many of you have turned a bunch of those off? Thank God they put on these things, the ability to turn a bunch of those off. I don't know if I would own one if they did not have that feature." [08:15]
2. "The more exhausted we are, the more difficult it is to love. The more difficult it actually is to do any of the fruits of the Spirit. Think about it. How can you have love in your life and joy in your life and peace in your life if you're chronically exhausted all the time? It's like the Corrie ten Boom quote. She said, if the devil can't make you sin, he'll just make you busy." [09:42]
3. "We work more than we ever had before. We have more than we've ever than ever before and we're still not happy. It's Egypt all over again. We're in slavery of our choice. Here's how Mark John Mark Comer says this and I love this rest is an act of resistance." [32:26]
4. "The marketing departments of these multinational companies know that you want rest in your life. But that most people do not have it. And they want to sell it to you. The problem is you can't buy Sabbath. And you don't need to. To have Sabbath, you don't need to drop $49.99 on a terrycloth bathrobe. Or blow half your paycheck on another night out. The ache that you feel for rest, for deep rest, it feels like a lot of work." [03:23]
5. "Historians tell a cool story about this group of pioneers that were traveling the Oregon trail. Winter was approaching and they were worried they wouldn't make it before winter. So the group split into two because about half of them. One of them wanted to go seven days a week to try to make it. The other refused to break Sabbath. The group that was practicing the Sabbath arrived first." [18:27]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus's will for your life is not for you to be chronically exhausted, sleep deprived, unhappy and living with no margin. And the Egyptians, you needed cheap labor to work while those at the top rest. And slaves don't get Sabbath. Slaves are subhuman. They're a commodity to buy and sell. They only have value in what they produce. They work all day, every day, and then they die. So the command is what? Remember, you're not slaves anymore. You're in a new kingdom under a new king. He's nothing like Pharaoh. There's no daily quota. There's no taskmaster over your head." [11:18]
2. "We don't invite people to attend a church service. We invite people to follow Jesus with us. One of Jesus' most famous invitations is from Matthew chapter 11. We'll read that together. Matthew 11, verse 28 through 30. We've gone over this passage a few times because it's kind of a, if you will, it's like the cornerstone passage. It's the invitation from Jesus to all of us. He says, We spent this sermon series learning this way of Jesus, what it actually means to take that easy yoke of Jesus, what it means to actually follow him. In this text, he calls this life rest for your souls, the easy yoke." [05:49]
3. "If you will commit to it and if you will work on it and you will practice at it, you will start to see a lot of good things flow from it. Sabbath, like all of the practices, practices is a means to a different end. We've talked about this as we talk about all the spiritual disciplines, right? The, the discipline itself is not the end. It's not to say I Sabbath better than all of you. Oh, I Sabbath hard. I told you how much I like sleep. I could Sabbath for two days and have a great time. That's not the point. And the point is not even to be well rested and happy, although it will help. It's to participate in the love and life of God himself, to center our life around him, to live more deeply in God, not just on the Sabbath, but all week long." [38:51]
4. "Who am I if I'm not producing? Who am I if I'm not performing? And I believe, honestly believe this is true for some of us. Sabbath, we need it as an act of identity formation. Who are we? Who do we belong to? Sabbath is a weekly reminder. I am loved by God. We remember what, here's something we remember, that life is not a right, it's a gift. We remember that the world is full of evil and justice, yes, but it's also full of goodness and beauty and truth. We remember that we owe God a life of gratitude that's full of joy." [25:02]
5. "Sabbath is an act of resistance, a line of war, which means if you practice Sabbath, you will feel resistance. I'm warning you, if you try this, just be ready. It's not going to be easy. There is internal and external resistance. The external resistance is the culture all around you that we've been talking about, this restless, rhythmless, hollow-out-your-soul kind of culture. If you're going to Sabbath well, it's going to require intentionality, preparation, and a desire to do something. If you're going to do something well, it's going to require determination to go against the flow of the cultural tide to live differently." [34:49]
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