DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Necessary Rest
by Judy Webb
“I also gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.” (Ezekiel 20:13)
By observing weekly the Sabbath, Israel would be reminded that God graciously set her apart as an instrument of blessing to the world and as a witness against the pagans who had exchanged the worship of the Creator for that of creation.
"You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses." (Nehemiah 9:14)
"Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws—by which the person who obeys them will live—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So, I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the wilderness." (Ezekiel 20:13)
Sabbaths are privileges
“Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.” (v 20)
For many years, I never attended church. I never observed a Sabbath. In fact, I thought Sabbath was merely attending church on Sunday. I convinced myself I could worship/praise God better out in nature. But of course, this was me, justifying my disobedient actions. I never praised or worshiped out in nature either. I didn’t even understand what that was. I now ask myself how that could be, as I attended parochial school for eight years?
Sabbaths reveal our heavenly rest
The rest is something a believer enters and thus experiences now. But this rest is a pathway to the promised destination for the future. This rest is an ongoing reality—heavenly rest is the end of a Christian’s journey—the ultimate sabbath.
Sabbath rest
Rest, restoration and rejuvenation are purposes for observing a Sabbath rest. This could not only be weekly but a daily practice as well. Quiet time in the morning will prepare a heart for peacefulness and purpose. A quiet time in the evening can improve our sleep. It releases us from the day’s stress and burdens.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us the Sabbath rest. We recognize this is a worshipful experience and a necessary practice for every Christian. Teach us more about this rest. Amen.
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