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Rest and Sabbath | Firm Foundation | Week 2
Rest and Sabbath: Finding True Rest in God
In week two of the Firm Foundation series, the message focuses on an essential yet often neglected biblical principle—Rest and Sabbath. In today’s fast-paced world, people tend to measure their worth by their productivity, but Scripture teaches that true rest is not only a command but a gift from God.
The Importance of Rest and Sabbath
Mark 2:23-28 recounts the moment when Jesus and His disciples were walking through a grain field on the Sabbath, picking some heads of grain. When the Pharisees criticized them for breaking the Sabbath law, Jesus responded:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Jesus’ response reveals that Rest and Sabbath are not meant to be burdensome laws but divine provisions for human well-being. The Sabbath was created to benefit people, offering them an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be refreshed in God’s presence.
Why We Struggle with Rest
In modern society, rest is often mistaken for laziness. Many people resist taking a Sabbath because they are conditioned to believe that success comes only through relentless work. But God’s commandment for Rest and Sabbath is not about laziness—it’s about trust.
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work.”
God set the precedent for Rest and Sabbath by resting on the seventh day of creation. If even the Creator of the universe took time to rest, how much more should His people?
Rest as a Spiritual Discipline
Rest is more than a physical necessity; it is a spiritual discipline. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him:
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
This invitation shows that true rest is found not just in ceasing from work but in a relationship with Christ. Observing Rest and Sabbath is a way to realign our focus on God and remind ourselves that our identity is not in what we do but in whose we are.
Practical Ways to Observe the Sabbath
Observing the Sabbath does not have to be complicated. Here are some practical steps to incorporate Rest and Sabbath into daily life:
Set Aside a Specific Day – Choose a day each week to rest from work and focus on God.
Engage in Worship – Spend intentional time in prayer, Bible study, and worship.
Disconnect from Work – Avoid emails, business calls, and tasks that drain your energy.
Enjoy God’s Creation – Go for a walk, enjoy nature, or engage in activities that bring joy.
Spend Time with Loved Ones – Fellowship with family and friends can be a restorative part of the Sabbath.
The Blessing of Obedience
Those who practice Rest and Sabbath experience renewed strength and clarity. They learn to trust that God is their provider, not their work. In Isaiah 58:13-14, the Lord promises blessings to those who honor the Sabbath:
“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable… then you will find your joy in the Lord.”
Conclusion
Rest and Sabbath are divine invitations to step away from the busyness of life and enter into God’s peace. They are not restrictions but gifts, designed to bring restoration, joy, and deeper trust in God. As believers, we must resist the temptation to define our worth by our productivity and instead embrace the sacred rhythm of work and rest established by God.
Take the challenge: Set aside time this week to observe the Sabbath and experience the rest that only God can provide.
Did you like Firm Foundation – Week 2 – Rest and Sabbath? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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