Jews “waste a seventh of their life in inactivity.” – Seneca 1st Century Stoic Philosopher
Hebrews 4:1-11 CSB – Therefore, since the promise to enter his rest remains, let us beware that none of you be found to have fallen short. 2 For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith. 3 For we who have believed enter the rest, in keeping with what he has said,
So I swore in my anger,
“They will not enter my rest,”
even though his works have been finished since the foundation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in this way: And on the seventh day God rested from all his works.[f] 5 Again, in that passage he says, They will never enter my rest. 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience, 7 he again specifies a certain day—today. He specified this speaking through David after such a long time:
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10 For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern 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
“And now in one hour’s time, I will be out there again. I will raise my eyes and look down that corridor; 4 feet wide (track lane), with 10 lonely seconds to justify my existence.”
The Sabbath has always been an exercise in trusting God.
Mark 2:28 CSB – “So then, 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 CSB – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.a 29Take up my yoke and learn from me,abecause I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.b 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
John 6:25 CSB – “Don’t work for the food that perishesa but for the food that lasts for eternal life,b which the Son of Manc will give you, because God the Fatherd has set his seal of approval on him.”
How can we practice Sabbath today?
- Trust God
- Take Breaks
- Get Accountability
- Develop a fun habit that helps you recharge
