This Sunday we will be working through the conflict narrative in Mark 3 regarding the proper observance of the Sabbath. I’ve heard both sides and understand specific points and principles regarding the proper observance (today) of the Sabbath. Ever feel like you can’t find time to rest?
I believe there is a dynamic equivalent applicable for us today. God’s wisdom for his creation to rest does not suddenly become unwise because of our technological, time-saving advancements. But what classifies as true rest? What is a day (or period) of rest that captures the spirit and intent of a weekly Sabbath.
You will receive a deduction in points if you say Sunday is a day of rest. Those in full-time paid and unpaid ministry understand that Sundays can be the worst day of the week.
I’ve heard people say that a day of the week where you do something you don’t get paid for can be your Sabbaths rest. Still, I’m not sure about that. I’ve never really found a day in the week that truly works for me as a day off. Maybe I should work it out to take Sunday off!
Is there wisdom in observing a Sabbath rest today? And, what would a Sabbath rest look like in our überbusy lives?
8 Responses to “Rest”
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November 17th, 2006 at 10:11 am
The essence of Sabbath is that we learn to accept what God has done for us and say, “Thank You!” One reason the priests of the old covenant we to wear linen into the Most Holy Place for Atonement is that he was not to sweat before God. Sweat is the signature of man’s rebellion to God and his declaration of independance. The Old Testament is filled with sabbath glimpses into the all sufficiency of Christ. It’s not just a rest … it’s a heart of gratitude. When God completed his creation, Moses tells us he “rested.” Not from exhaustion, but as an artist would rest from a painting or a sculptor. To do more would be too much. To do less would be inadequate. His creation was perfect and he rested in it. When Jesus died on the cross, one of his last sayings was “It is finished.” Basically the same word as “rested.” Salvation was complete. To do any more would be too much. To do any less would not be enough. Our greatest Sabbath is to rest in what Christ has accomplished on my behalf … and learn to say, “Thank You!” and to serve from a heart of gratitude. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that!
November 17th, 2006 at 10:46 am
I live in a home where one partner never wants to rest and the other wants to rest all the time. No bonus points for figuring out who’s who because it’s not all that hard.
While idleness and sloth are certainly sinful, I think there is a reason God commanded the Sabbath to be observed. Our bodies need to be recharged and those days of rejuvenation are important. I suppose what rest truly is depends on the individual. I can read and call it rest, others can work around the house and be refreshed.
November 17th, 2006 at 11:02 am
Will there be Sabbath in Heaven? Will Heaven be one big very long Sabbath?
If so , then you’ll have plenty of time to rest then. Get back to the Lord’s work and put your backs into it.
November 17th, 2006 at 11:12 am
As the kids would say, I “feel you†when it comes to “Sunday being a day of rest.†Although we love our church and could not think of life without it, there are many Mondays where my wife and I look at each other and ask, “Did we have a “weekend?â€
November 17th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Rest, to me, is a nap in the recliner after Wheel of Fortune goes off in the evenings. Now, a Sabbath rest……..I’m lost on this one.
November 18th, 2006 at 9:08 am
For those who work hard, a sabbath is necessary and welcome. In French, many of the newer translations translate: day off.
When in Fresno for two years, every Friday was a true Sabbath. Sport, arts, time with wife. A lunch with someone we loved. They were neat.
November 18th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
C.D. - I used to joke when I was in the Army that I’d rest when I was dead. Lately I’ve realized how silly that was. It’s hard to explain how the mental, emotional, and even the spiritual begins to unravel when you don’t take a rest.
I also wonder how electricity plays into the whole sabbath concept. The initial sabbath concept (yes, Greg, tons of pre-Christ imagery) was based on a work day that was limited by daylight and weather. Thanks to the marvels of modern science I can work all night long if need be.
I love Randy for saying Sunday doesn’t count. I was joking today that I have to work through lunch tomorrow without pay. It’s fellowship meal Sunday. By the time I get through everyone that needs something from me, all the food is usually gone. We’ll see how it turns out tomorrow.
November 19th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
What an awesome thing a Sabbath rest day would be. No ball games for kids. No church activities. No anything that involves work. Just simply sit on the porch and swing, take a walk by the creek, or watch TV. Sounds like Saturday when I was a kid. We observed the Sabbath, though we didn’t call it that. We spent the day riding our bikes, or playing or just doing nothing. It was unusual for mom or dad to work even.
I don’t know if that is what God had in mind, but, that would be Sabbath to me.