There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord. (Leviticus 23:3)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 2 9 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28 – 30)
Today we turn our attention to the Discipline of Sabbath, which involves a commitment to setting aside a day of rest. While we are no longer under the law, the principle of ceasing activity to rest is still relevant. We are no longer bound to a particular day but remember that our creator knows us best, and He instituted the practice of a day of rest.
Even as we contemplate the importance of physical rest, it is worthwhile to also reflect on spiritual rest as described in Matthew 11.
Please prayerfully reflect on the Bible passages above.
Something to think about:
Would you be identified as the type of person that practices regularly getting out of the rat race? Describe one way you have benefitted from spiritual rest.
March 23, 2018 at 11:21 am
I am working on this as I never really practiced . If not work then housework but working on it.
March 23, 2018 at 12:59 pm
I will not shop on my Sabbath unless urgent. Stores should have a ‘Sabbath’ and not be open 7days a week. It’ s lovely when there’s a powercut. Great time to commune with. I read that Bali has a silent day. No working, cooking, no radios etc. Only emergency vehicles are permitted on the road. The Arabs go out from their new houses onto the sand in the desert to meditate. Jesus went to a quiet place as well, why not us?
March 24, 2018 at 4:09 am
I see it more as a necessity than a “rat race” but I guess that’s what it boils down to, however, I take time out but not as much as I would like to. One way I have benefited from spiritual rest is by sending my spiritual tap roots deeper into God’s soil so the source of my life can nourish me.
March 24, 2018 at 6:44 pm
For me, there is no rest if one is beset by anxiety. I could be at the beach and be totally stressed out. I am learning to find rest for my mind, will and emotions in Jesus Christ. HE is my rock and place of refuge, the place that is higher than I. I rely on HIM to calm the storm within and help me with my problems – real or imagined.
I try to think the way Jesus taught us to think so I that I find rest for my weary spirit. This is one of the main reasons I am drawn to Christianity – I don’t have to think so much. I am no longer a willing captive of my thoughts. God is in charge and I trust in HIM. Thank GOD and what a relief that is!