The Sabbath Rest
The gospel is taught in the Creation story. In (Gen. 2:1, 2) we read: “Thus the heaven and earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And in the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Here we discover that God worked, then rested.
The situation for Adam was just the opposite. First, he entered into God’s rest, since the seventh-day Sabbath was his first full day of life. After entering God’s rest on the seventh day, he then worked. The same sequence is true concerning our redemption. In Christ, God completed the work of redemption through His sinless life, death and resurrection.
We can rest in the fact that Jesus died for our sins and has given to us eternal life as a free gift. We rest in the fact that we have Christ’s righteousness is covering us. We also rest in the fact that at the cross our sinful nature was broken, and we are now free to serve God. Once believers rest in these truths, they are able to “work,” of faithfully serve and obey Christ in life and ministry.
What do I mean by rest? I mean that they accept by faith what God had done for their redemption, and trust implicitly in Christ. God’s word is very clear about the concept of rest. When we enter into God’s rest we cease our own efforts.
So the question I have for you is: How do you observe your Sabbath? Many of use worship on Saturday but the majority of the people that worship on Sunday. I am not trying to debate this issue with you today. What I am asking is: do you observe your Sabbath by shopping, going out to eat, and playing Golf, well your get the idea. Or do you spend the day with God, in thankful worship?
The Bible is very clear about how we spend this day. Our part is to believe and choose to let Christ live out His life in us. This resting in Christ is the true meaning of the Sabbath rest God calls us to experience: this requires 100 percent surrender to Christ 100 percent of the time.
Supporting Scripture; Must read (Heb. 4:9-11), Must read (Ex. 20:8-11)
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- How do you spend your Sabbath day?
- How do you plan to apply this devotional to your life?
- How is the gospel taught in the creation account?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Contact the people on your prayer list and let them know you are still praying for them.
- Pray with then and ask for the following;
- For God to fill your heart with His nature.
- For God to strengthen your understanding of what the Sabbath means.
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- That we continue to seek the Holy Spirit
- For today use the following Bible verse in your prayer (Isa. 55:6, 7)
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The Sabbath day is such a blessing. I often watch people just rush about always worrying, always busy, etc. These same people do not smile, do not have joy in their hearts. The Sabbath is for us to rest but to also reconnect more closely to our Lord. He prepares us for the coming week. I love the sabbath. I need the sabbath and I wish everyone could truly appreciate what God has given to us.
I agree with you Rosie, It seems such a simple truth and as for me I can tell the difference in my life, as a pastor I do work on that day but it is such a joy to share this time with the people of my church and even my friends. There are many times we just go out for a long walk after church and talk about different things or times I just go home and read. God has given us a very special gift and I am truly grateful for it.
Sabbath is a forshawdow of heaven. We know that from Sabbath to Sabbath we will all unite in our father’s house. Just the thought of that warms my heart. Back home my sisters usually meet every weekend (usually on Sabbath) and hang out (lots of talking and laughing) while all the kids are playing. Such good times…just imagine what we have to look forward to in heaven. Think about all the brothers and sisters in Christ we have, those we know and will love to see again, and all those we don’t know, but will love to. But just like back home it’s Mom that brings and holds us all together. God is/will be the main reason for the gatherings.
Every week I look forward to seeing everyone at church, but I like most hearing another’s person perceptives, discoveries, and experiences with God. I especially look forward to the Bible studies with Joseph and miss Pastor Bobby. I love studing and pondering on the character of God. That to me is the best part of the Sabbath…the opportuinty to put everything aside and sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him.
I miss both of you as well, I truly enjoyed Friday evening with Rosie and everyone then you and Joseph on Saturday evening truly touched my life. But the good news is, we will all be back together one day, and when we are we shall never part again. I look forward to that day. All of you are truly angels in my life; yes even the trouble makers and I love you all. I pray for you all every night and hope to see you soon.