Embracing the Gift of Sabbath Rest

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Gift of Sabbath

The Sabbath is both a commandment and a gift from God, designed for our benefit. It is a time to cease from our busyness and align ourselves with God's rhythm of creation, where rest is as important as work. In a world that often equates busyness with productivity and worth, the Sabbath invites us to step back and recognize the value of rest. By setting reasonable goals with the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can gradually embrace a more restful lifestyle. This practice not only honors God but also rejuvenates our spirit, allowing us to be more present and attentive to His voice. [11:45]

"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 is one specific way you can set aside time this week to truly rest and align with God's rhythm, despite your busy schedule?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Promises

Instead of striving to fulfill God's promises on our own, we should rest in them, trusting in His faithfulness. This approach allows us to be pulled into His plans rather than pushed by our own agendas or societal pressures. By prioritizing rest and reflection, we can better discern God's voice and direction in our lives. Trusting in God's promises means acknowledging that His plans are greater than our own and that He is faithful to fulfill them in His timing. This trust frees us from the burden of striving and allows us to experience peace and assurance in His presence. [27:32]

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." (Psalm 37:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are striving to fulfill God's promises on your own. How can you begin to trust and rest in His faithfulness instead?

Day 3: The Power of Ceasing

The word Sabbath means to cease, to stop, which challenges our love for busyness. While busyness can give us a sense of value and purpose, true fulfillment comes from resting in God's presence. The Sabbath invites us to step back, reflect, and listen to God's voice, allowing His promises to guide our actions. By ceasing from our work and busyness, we create space to hear from God and to be refreshed by His presence. This practice helps us to realign our priorities and to find our true worth in Him rather than in our accomplishments. [13:29]

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one activity or commitment you can pause this week to create space for stillness and listening to God's voice?

Day 4: Aligning with God's Rhythm of Creation

In Genesis, God rested on the seventh day, not out of necessity, but to enjoy the completion of His creation. This act of resting with humanity, the pinnacle of His creation, sets a precedent for us to follow. The Sabbath is a reminder of our identity and purpose, a time to reconnect with God and remember His promises. By aligning with God's rhythm of creation, we acknowledge that rest is an integral part of our lives and that it is essential for our spiritual and physical well-being. This alignment helps us to live in harmony with God's design and to experience the fullness of life He intends for us. [22:33]

"And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." (Genesis 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest into your weekly routine to better align with God's design for your life?

Day 5: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness

The Sabbath provides an opportunity to feed on God's faithfulness and remember His covenant with us. It is a space where we can be pulled into His plans rather than pushed by our own agendas or societal pressures. By prioritizing rest and reflection, we can better discern God's voice and direction in our lives. Reflecting on God's faithfulness reminds us of His constant presence and provision, encouraging us to trust Him more deeply. This reflection strengthens our relationship with Him and empowers us to live out His purposes with confidence and joy. [26:01]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a time when God has been faithful in your life. How can this remembrance encourage you to trust Him in your current circumstances?

Sermon Summary

In our journey to become more like Jesus, we are exploring the practice of Sabbath, a concept that challenges many of us, including myself. The Sabbath is intended as a 24-hour period dedicated to rest, reset, and gratitude towards God. However, in our fast-paced, goal-oriented society, achieving this can seem daunting. The key is to set reasonable goals with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gradually working towards a more restful lifestyle. The Sabbath is not just a commandment but a gift from God, designed for our benefit. It is a time to cease from our busyness and align ourselves with God's rhythm of creation, where rest is as important as work.

Reflecting on Genesis, we see that God rested on the seventh day, not out of necessity, but to enjoy the completion of His creation. This act of resting with humanity, the pinnacle of His creation, sets a precedent for us to follow. The Sabbath is a reminder of our identity and purpose, a time to reconnect with God and remember His promises. It is a space where we can be pulled into His plans rather than pushed by our own agendas or societal pressures.

Jesus reframed the Sabbath, emphasizing its purpose for humanity's well-being. He understood that rest is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. In our busy lives, we often equate busyness with value and purpose, but true fulfillment comes from resting in God's presence. The Sabbath invites us to step back, reflect, and listen to God's voice, allowing His promises to guide our actions.

In our personal journey, Ian and I have learned to rest in God's promises rather than striving to fulfill them ourselves. This approach has opened doors to ministries and opportunities that align with God's plans for us. By prioritizing rest and reflection, we can better discern God's voice and direction in our lives, leading to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Sabbath as a Gift and Commandment: The Sabbath is both a commandment and a gift from God, designed for our benefit. It is a time to cease from our busyness and align ourselves with God's rhythm of creation, where rest is as important as work. By setting reasonable goals with the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can gradually embrace a more restful lifestyle. [11:45]
2. Resting in God's Promises: Instead of striving to fulfill God's promises on our own, we should rest in them, trusting in His faithfulness. This approach allows us to be pulled into His plans rather than pushed by our own agendas or societal pressures. By prioritizing rest and reflection, we can better discern God's voice and direction in our lives. [27:32]
3. The Importance of Ceasing: The word Sabbath means to cease, to stop, which challenges our love for busyness. While busyness can give us a sense of value and purpose, true fulfillment comes from resting in God's presence. The Sabbath invites us to step back, reflect, and listen to God's voice, allowing His promises to guide our actions. [13:29]
4. God's Rhythm of Creation: In Genesis, God rested on the seventh day, not out of necessity, but to enjoy the completion of His creation. This act of resting with humanity, the pinnacle of His creation, sets a precedent for us to follow. The Sabbath is a reminder of our identity and purpose, a time to reconnect with God and remember His promises. [22:33]
5. Sabbath as a Time of Reflection: The Sabbath provides an opportunity to feed on God's faithfulness and remember His covenant with us. It is a space where we can be pulled into His plans rather than pushed by our own agendas or societal pressures. By prioritizing rest and reflection, we can better discern God's voice and direction in our lives. [26:01]
** [26:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:34] - Creation and Rest
[04:29] - The Seventh Day
[05:16] - Jesus and the Disciples
[08:42] - Goal-Oriented Society
[10:21] - Learning from Jesus
[11:45] - Purpose of Sabbath
[13:29] - Benefits of Sabbath
[14:45] - The Challenge of Busyness
[15:44] - Aligning with God's Rhythm
[16:42] - Kingdom Service and Busyness
[20:19] - Authority Over Time
[22:33] - Resting with God
[23:40] - Catching Up with God
[26:01] - Remembering God's Covenant
[27:32] - Resting in Promises
[29:57] - Spiritual Descendants

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Genesis 2:1-3 reveal about God's actions on the seventh day, and how does this set a precedent for the practice of Sabbath? [04:29]
According to Deuteronomy 5:12-14, what are the specific instructions given for observing the Sabbath, and who is included in this command? [11:45]
How does Jesus' statement in Mark 2:27 redefine the purpose of the Sabbath for humanity? [13:29]
In the sermon, what personal challenges did the speaker mention about practicing the Sabbath, and how does this reflect common struggles in a goal-oriented society? [08:42]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of Sabbath as a gift and commandment in Genesis and Deuteronomy challenge modern perceptions of rest and productivity? [11:45]
What might Jesus' reframing of the Sabbath in Mark 2:27 suggest about the balance between religious observance and human well-being? [13:29]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that resting in God's promises can lead to spiritual growth and alignment with God's will? [27:32]
How does the speaker's personal journey with Sabbath illustrate the tension between societal pressures and spiritual priorities? [08:42]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current lifestyle. How can you begin to incorporate a Sabbath rest that aligns with God's rhythm of creation? What small, reasonable goals can you set with the Holy Spirit's guidance? [04:29]
Consider the societal pressures that equate busyness with value. How can you resist these pressures and prioritize rest in God's presence? [14:45]
Think about a promise from God that you are striving to fulfill on your own. How can you shift your approach to rest in His faithfulness instead? [27:32]
Identify a specific area in your life where busyness has overshadowed your spiritual growth. What steps can you take to cease from this busyness and listen to God's voice? [16:42]
How can you create a space in your weekly routine to intentionally reflect on God's promises and direction for your life? [26:01]
In what ways can you involve your family or community in observing a Sabbath rest that benefits everyone, as described in Deuteronomy 5:12-14? [11:45]
How can the practice of Sabbath help you reconnect with your identity and purpose in God, as illustrated by the speaker's personal experiences? [22:33]

Sermon Clips

healthy living and which is another thing I don't do and she said actually that's not true I do she was talking about having reasonable goals so as you listen to me I'm going to paint the picture of the best possible experience we can have you sit with the Holy Spirit and ask him okay what's my reasonable goal [00:01:46] (25 seconds)

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'd done. Now let's jump to Genesis chapter three, verse six. [00:04:25] (21 seconds)

When the woman saw the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realized they were naked and they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. [00:04:50] (24 seconds)

I suspect one of the reasons that we all, I'm pretty sure, struggle with Sabbath, with the idea of taking time out, is that it's easy to get caught up in other things, other busy, and forget that actually there is Jesus. And if we wait around long enough, we'll be able to reach out and [00:10:59] (32 seconds)

The first was that God commanded Sabbath so that the Israelites would remember. So they would take time out to remember what he'd done for them, for their rescue from evil. The second purpose of Sabbath was that they would rest. And that in resting, so their families would rest, their animals would rest, and the foreigners living among them would rest. [00:11:33] (32 seconds)

over time, Sabbath became corrupted and all kinds of laws, regulations, rules were introduced that were never in the original intention. So when Jesus comes and says that he is Lord of the Sabbath, what he's doing is taking authority over all the things that have been introduced, which were not in God's original plan. They were not God's intention. [00:12:17] (28 seconds)

Well, it helps to know that the word Sabbath means to cease, to stop, which is a huge challenge for those of us who love busy, busy, busy. We're family, right? We can be really honest with each other. Isn't it gratifying sometimes to be able to say, oh, I'm so busy. Oh, dear Lord, I'm busy. Oh, my God, I'm busy. I'm so busy. [00:14:01] (38 seconds)

And what we experienced was that there were ministries and opportunities and all kinds of things opened up for us and we were pulled into them by the promise. And it was one, it became one of our kind of benchmark things. You know, if we say yes to something, is that, is the thing that we're saying yes to consistent with the promise of God on our lives? [00:28:19] (26 seconds)

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