Devotion:
Read Exodus 20:8-11.
It is a fascinating part of the Ten Commandments. God actually commands us to rest! It is made obvious here that part of the rhythm and balance of life is made up of both work and rest. We are not made for one or the other; we are made for both. We need both.
When the commandment is given, we are also reminded that even God set this pattern and example during Creation: “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth….but he rested on the seventh day.” By honoring the purpose of the Sabbath, we honor our commitment to God and following the ways of God.
One of the statements we are making when we honor the Sabbath is that we are not God. We are not in control. The world is not dependent on us. Life goes on without us. Wherever we work, they can get along without us. You may have an important role in some area of your life, but maintaining a commitment to Sabbath rest is an admission that our ultimate dependence is on God, not on any of us.
As with all of the commandments, keeping the Sabbath is for your good. It is for your well-being. And it is good for those around you. Be sure that you have built into your weekly schedule at least one day of getting away from your usual work life to rest and focus on your relationship with God. We are to worship God with all of our life, not just on one day, and one of the ways we do that is by honoring God’s commandment to rest.
Personal Worship Option:
How do you use your Sabbath rest time to honor and connect with God? Do you need to examine that part of your life and routine? Is there someone who sets a good example of that you might talk to? Look for ways to better balance your life with both work and rest.
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