The Gift of Rest

“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5

Isn’t is amazing that the God who created the universe, who put the stars in place, and who can command typhoons to stop, made Himself known to the Jews thousands of years ago? He freed them from slavery in Egypt, and He instituted the Sabbath. 

“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.” (Exodus 20:8-11; see also Genesis 2:2-3)

In gifting His chosen people with a day of rest, God taught them how to live as a free people. They were used to being treated brutally in Egypt. A people in bondage need to be taught how to live in freedom. 

Our Father wants to teach us as well that we are a free people and we need to trust Him that He will provide for our needs even if we do not work seven days a week! Sometimes we can be chained to our work and do not welcome the gift of rest God has given His people. If we take the time to refresh ourselves with God’s life giving Word on Sunday, we will perhaps discover a new spirit of peace, strength and wisdom that carries us through for the week to come.