Sabbath takes Rest

Jews “waste a seventh of their life in inactivity.” -Seneca 1st Century Stoic Philosopher

Hebrews 4:1-11 (NIV) – “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.[a]3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”[b]

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”[c] 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
    do not harden your hearts.”[d]

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e] just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.”

“Sunday neurosis, that kind of depression which afflicts people who become aware of the lack of content in their lives when the rush of the busy week is over and the void within themselves becomes manifest.” -Victor Frankl

“On that weekly holiday observed by all ‘present-day civilized humanity’ not only did drudgery give way to festivity, family gatherings and occasionally worship, but the machinery of self-censorship shut down, too, stilling the eternal inner murmur of self-reproach.” -Judith Shulevitz

The Sabbath has always been an exercise in trusting God.

Mark 2:28 (NIV) “So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath has always been a shadow of Jesus.

In Jesus reality emerges where shadows used to live.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 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.”

 John 6:35 (NIV) – “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

How can we practice Sabbath today?

  1. Trust God
  2. Take Breaks
  3. Get Accountability
  4. Develop a fun habit that helps you recharge