His Word: There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11
Observation & Obedience: What is “Sabbath-rest” and is it even necessary for us to observe? According to the NIV Life Application Study Bible, “Sabbath-rest” is a noun describing “the seventh day of the week, divinely set apart for rest and worship.”
Regardless of what day you choose, it is important to observe a time dedicated to rest and worship. When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, he addressed the subject of rest, knowing that if it were only a suggestion; people might not observe and obey it. Exodus 20: 8-10a: “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…”
His Word for today reminds us that God rested from his work. 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 (Genesis 2:2-3).
God wants us to enter his rest. For the Israelites, this was the earthly rest in the Promised Land. For us, it’s the peace we can find when we take the time to rest and enjoy God’s presence in our lives here on earth. We don’t have to wait until heaven to receive it; we may have it every day!
In verse 11, it tells us to make every effort to enter that rest. Did God know it would be a challenge for us? I believe so. Rest, especially in our fast-paced world, does not come naturally. It almost has to be scheduled and that is exactly what the Sabbath-rest does. It gives us a specific time and day to set aside for rest and worship.
How are you doing with obeying this commandment? It’s not just for the Old Testament people; it’s for us today, maybe even more so. What does your day of rest and worship look like? Are you even observing one? We are not designed to be Energizer bunnies who can go and go and go….
Consider what the benefits are or could be when we are dedicated to the idea of Sabbath-rest: Renewed energy for the week ahead. A better attitude and gratitude for the job God has given you to do, whether it’s in the home or in the workplace. A greater appreciation for the blessings you have already obtained. The realization that work and material goods is not all there is in life. Improved physical, emotional and spiritual strength. Lowered blood pressure, less depression and a closer relationship with God. These are things we all can benefit from!
Prayer: “Dear God, today I’m choosing to follow your example. You showed us the importance of resting after our time of labor. You even made rest a part of the commandments you gave to Moses and it is for my good as well. Help me to be committed to my time of rest and worship and not let other things and people distract me from it. I know I will be better off (and probably my family/friends as well) for observing it. Amen.”
Encouragement: When I’m constantly running, there’s no time for being. When there’s no time for being, there’s no time for listening. Madeline L’Engle
God asks that we worship him with our concentrated minds as well as with our wills and emotions. A divided and scattered mind is not effective. Catherine Marshall
If you are observing a “Sabbath-rest” kind of day, share with us what it looks like….
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