The Sabbath: A Divine Invitation to Rest and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflect on the profound significance of the Sabbath, a day that God has set aside for rest and worship. The Sabbath was made for humans, not the other way around. It is a day when we are called to come together in God's holy house to receive the most precious gift of all—our Lord Jesus Christ in His body and blood. We have six days to labor and struggle, but the seventh day is a divine invitation to rest and be in God's presence. This day is not about God needing our offerings or our time; it is about what we are willing to give and how we can receive something wonderful in return.
The Sabbath can easily be turned into a rule-keeping operation, but it is much more than that. From the moment we walk into the church until we receive the body and blood of Christ, the entire service is consecratory. Jesus does not disappear when we leave the church; He goes with us, bidding us to enjoy the richness of His rest and healing. The Sabbath is about more than just one day; it is about making our entire lives holy. Even though the daily chores and labor await us after the Sabbath, the day of rest transforms our daily labor into something holy because Christ has made our lives holy.
The Gospel of Mark recounts how Jesus and His disciples were criticized for plucking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by reminding the Pharisees that the Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath. He emphasized that doing good and saving life is lawful on the Sabbath. This story underscores that the Sabbath is not about strict rule-keeping but about the well-being and restoration of people.
We often justify our absence from church by claiming that Sunday is our only day of rest. However, Martin Luther reminds us in his Small Catechism that we are to fear and love God so that we neither despise God's word nor the preaching of it. We should gladly come to the services of God's house to receive His word and be nourished by it. The Sabbath is a time to set aside our labors and come together to be nourished at God's holy table.
There is a subtle connection between the Sabbath and our practices around stewardship. Just as we are called to give a tithe of our earnings, we are also called to give a portion of our time to God. There are 168 hours in a week, and if we were to give a tithe of our time, it would amount to almost 17 hours a week. However, even if we attend church, Sunday school, and Bible study, we are still far from this biblical definition of a tithe. Our offertory prayer reminds us that we give thanks to God for what He has first given us—ourselves, our time, and only at the end, our money.
In conclusion, the Sabbath is a gift from God, a time for rest, worship, and receiving His word. It is a day that transforms our lives and makes our daily labor holy. Let us embrace the Sabbath with open hearts, allowing it to nourish and restore us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Sabbath as a Divine Invitation: The Sabbath is a day set aside by God for rest and worship. It is not about God needing our offerings or time, but about what we are willing to give and how we can receive something wonderful in return. This day is a divine invitation to rest and be in God's presence, receiving the most precious gift of all—our Lord Jesus Christ in His body and blood. [34:56]
2. The Consecratory Nature of the Sabbath: The entire service, from the moment we walk into the church until we receive the body and blood of Christ, is consecratory. Jesus does not disappear when we leave the church; He goes with us, bidding us to enjoy the richness of His rest and healing. The Sabbath is about making our entire lives holy, transforming our daily labor into something holy because Christ has made our lives holy. [37:20]
3. The Sabbath and Doing Good: The story from the Gospel of Mark highlights that the Sabbath is not about strict rule-keeping but about the well-being and restoration of people. Jesus emphasized that doing good and saving life is lawful on the Sabbath. This underscores that the Sabbath is a time for healing, forgiveness, and giving eternal life, not just a day of rest. [23:13]
4. The Importance of Attending Church: Martin Luther reminds us that we are to fear and love God so that we neither despise God's word nor the preaching of it. We should gladly come to the services of God's house to receive His word and be nourished by it. The Sabbath is a time to set aside our labors and come together to be nourished at God's holy table. [28:16]
5. Stewardship and the Sabbath: There is a subtle connection between the Sabbath and our practices around stewardship. Just as we are called to give a tithe of our earnings, we are also called to give a portion of our time to God. Even if we attend church, Sunday school, and Bible study, we are still far from the biblical definition of a tithe. Our offertory prayer reminds us that we give thanks to God for what He has first given us—ourselves, our time, and only at the end, our money. [30:20]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:13] - Jesus and the Sabbath
[24:12] - The Seven-Day Creation
[27:27] - Justifying Absence from Church
[28:16] - The Essence of the Sabbath
[30:20] - Stewardship and the Sabbath
[34:56] - The Sabbath as a Divine Invitation
[37:20] - The Consecratory Nature of the Sabbath
[39:55] - Shabbat Shalom and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Significance of the Sabbath
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 2:23-28 (NRSV)
> One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions." Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."
2. Genesis 2:2-3 (NRSV)
> And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
3. Exodus 20:8-11 (NRSV)
> Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus and his disciples do on the Sabbath that caused the Pharisees to criticize them?
2. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees' criticism about plucking grain on the Sabbath?
3. According to Genesis 2:2-3, what did God do on the seventh day of creation?
4. What are the instructions given in Exodus 20:8-11 regarding the Sabbath?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that "the Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath"?
2. How does the story of David eating the bread of the Presence relate to Jesus' actions on the Sabbath?
3. What does it mean for the Sabbath to be a "divine invitation" to rest and be in God's presence?
4. How can the Sabbath transform our daily labor into something holy, as mentioned in the sermon?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current practice of observing the Sabbath. How do you spend your Sundays, and do you feel rested and spiritually nourished by the end of the day?
2. The sermon mentioned that the Sabbath is not about strict rule-keeping but about well-being and restoration. How can you incorporate acts of kindness and service into your Sabbath observance?
3. Martin Luther emphasized the importance of attending church to receive God's word. How can you prioritize church attendance and participation in your weekly routine?
4. The sermon discussed the connection between stewardship and the Sabbath. How can you better allocate your time to God, considering the idea of tithing your time?
5. Think about the concept of making your entire life holy, not just one day a week. What changes can you make in your daily routine to keep Christ at the center of your life?
6. The sermon mentioned that Jesus goes with us after we leave the church. How can you carry the peace and rest of the Sabbath into your workweek?
7. Reflect on the offertory prayer mentioned in the sermon: "We give thanks to God for what He has first given us—ourselves, our time, and only at the end, our money." How can you practice gratitude and generosity in your daily life?
Devotional
### Day 1: The Sabbath as a Divine Invitation
The Sabbath is a day set aside by God for rest and worship. It is not about God needing our offerings or time, but about what we are willing to give and how we can receive something wonderful in return. This day is a divine invitation to rest and be in God's presence, receiving the most precious gift of all—our Lord Jesus Christ in His body and blood. [34:56]
The Sabbath is a special day that God has designated for us to step away from our daily labors and enter into His presence. It is not about fulfilling a requirement or checking off a box, but about accepting an invitation from God to rest and be renewed. On this day, we are called to come together in worship, to receive the body and blood of Christ, and to experience the richness of His grace and love. This divine invitation is a reminder that our relationship with God is not transactional but relational. He desires to give us rest and to fill us with His presence.
When we honor the Sabbath, we acknowledge that our time and our lives belong to God. It is a day to set aside our worries and to focus on the spiritual nourishment that God provides. By accepting this invitation, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's rest, which can rejuvenate our spirits and prepare us for the week ahead.
Exodus 31:15 (ESV): "Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death."
Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time today to rest in God's presence and receive His spiritual nourishment?
### Day 2: The Consecratory Nature of the Sabbath
The entire service, from the moment we walk into the church until we receive the body and blood of Christ, is consecratory. Jesus does not disappear when we leave the church; He goes with us, bidding us to enjoy the richness of His rest and healing. The Sabbath is about making our entire lives holy, transforming our daily labor into something holy because Christ has made our lives holy. [37:20]
The Sabbath is not just a day of rest; it is a day of consecration. From the moment we enter the church, the entire service is designed to set us apart for God's purposes. The act of worship, the receiving of the sacraments, and the fellowship with other believers all serve to make us holy. This consecration does not end when we leave the church; Jesus goes with us, inviting us to carry the holiness of the Sabbath into our daily lives.
By participating in the Sabbath, we allow Christ to transform our ordinary tasks and labors into acts of worship. Our daily work becomes an extension of the holiness we experience on the Sabbath. This transformation is a reminder that our entire lives are to be lived in the presence of God, and that every moment can be an opportunity to experience His grace and love.
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you carry the holiness of the Sabbath into your daily tasks and interactions this week?
### Day 3: The Sabbath and Doing Good
The story from the Gospel of Mark highlights that the Sabbath is not about strict rule-keeping but about the well-being and restoration of people. Jesus emphasized that doing good and saving life is lawful on the Sabbath. This underscores that the Sabbath is a time for healing, forgiveness, and giving eternal life, not just a day of rest. [23:13]
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus and His disciples were criticized for plucking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by reminding the Pharisees that the Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath. He emphasized that doing good and saving life is lawful on the Sabbath. This story teaches us that the Sabbath is not about adhering to strict rules but about the well-being and restoration of people.
The Sabbath is a time for healing, forgiveness, and giving eternal life. It is a day when we are called to do good and to care for others. By focusing on the well-being of those around us, we honor the true purpose of the Sabbath. This perspective shifts our focus from rule-keeping to acts of love and compassion, reflecting the heart of God.
Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV): "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Reflection: How can you use the Sabbath as an opportunity to do good and care for others in your community?
### Day 4: The Importance of Attending Church
Martin Luther reminds us that we are to fear and love God so that we neither despise God's word nor the preaching of it. We should gladly come to the services of God's house to receive His word and be nourished by it. The Sabbath is a time to set aside our labors and come together to be nourished at God's holy table. [28:16]
Attending church on the Sabbath is an essential aspect of our spiritual lives. Martin Luther's Small Catechism reminds us that we are to fear and love God so that we neither despise His word nor the preaching of it. By coming together in worship, we receive God's word and are nourished by it. The Sabbath is a time to set aside our labors and come together as a community to be fed spiritually at God's holy table.
When we gather for worship, we are reminded of God's promises and are strengthened in our faith. The act of coming together as a congregation allows us to support one another and to grow in our understanding of God's word. It is a time to be refreshed and renewed, preparing us to face the challenges of the coming week with a renewed sense of purpose and faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you prioritize attending church and participating in the community of believers this week?
### Day 5: Stewardship and the Sabbath
There is a subtle connection between the Sabbath and our practices around stewardship. Just as we are called to give a tithe of our earnings, we are also called to give a portion of our time to God. Even if we attend church, Sunday school, and Bible study, we are still far from the biblical definition of a tithe. Our offertory prayer reminds us that we give thanks to God for what He has first given us—ourselves, our time, and only at the end, our money. [30:20]
Stewardship is not just about our financial resources; it also includes our time and talents. The Sabbath provides an opportunity to reflect on how we are using the time that God has given us. Just as we are called to give a tithe of our earnings, we are also called to give a portion of our time to God. This means setting aside time for worship, prayer, and service to others.
Our offertory prayer reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God. We give thanks to God for what He has first given us—ourselves, our time, and only at the end, our money. By dedicating a portion of our time to God, we acknowledge His lordship over our lives and express our gratitude for His blessings. This practice of stewardship helps us to align our priorities with God's will and to live lives that are pleasing to Him.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about giving a portion of your time to God this week, in addition to your financial offerings?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." [23:13]
2. "He alone has the power to forgive sins. He alone has power to heal the sin-wounded heart. He alone has the power to give eternal life. That's what the Sabbath is about. And not only this day, but that the rest of our lives might be holy as well." [38:08]
3. "The Sabbath was made for humans, not the vice versa. One day a week, our Lord, the Lord our God, calls us to come together and worship him. In his holy house. To come and receive the most precious gift of all, our Lord Jesus Christ in his body and blood." [34:56]
4. "We give God an hour on Sunday morning to come and be in his presence. And from that we receive something wonderful. Not warm feelings always. Maybe not an entertaining sermon as though we were attending the gladiatorial battles of ancient Rome. Do I not entertain you? We receive the word. Jesus Christ our Lord." [36:23]
5. "The essence of the Sabbath, that God's people might set aside their labors for the week, and that they might come together, come and be nourished at his holy table among his people." [29:35]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Every so often, when someone wants to ask me a gotcha question, a litmus question, they'll ask me, Do you believe in the six-day creation? And I always answer, no. Which causes more than a few mouths to go slack. No, you see, we don't believe in a six-day creation. We believe in a seven-day creation. For the Sabbath is part of God's creative work." [24:12]
2. "We had done no work at all. We had no need of rest. God rests on the seventh day, and he hallows it, so that that seventh day might be holy for all of creation." [26:30]
3. "Remember what Luther said of the third commandment. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He said in his small catechism that we are to fear and love God so that we neither despise God's word or the preaching of it, but rather that we gladly, that we gladly come to the services of God's house to receive it." [28:16]
4. "There's a very subtle connection between the Sabbath and our practices around stewardship. You'll notice, for example, that stewardship, we often speak of the tithe, that we are to give 10% of our earnings, 10% of our harvest, right off the top. Not 10% of what's left over, but 10% right off of the top of the harvest." [30:20]
5. "So before you say, well, the pastor wants me to come to church, realize we are still nowhere near the biblical definition of a tithe. And notice our offertory prayer. We give thanks to God for what he has first given us, ourselves, our tithe, and only at the end, the least of them, our money. So before you get mad at me for asking for 50 more cents from you, realize I really want your time. We really want you." [34:16]
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