DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Do You Trust Enough to Rest?
by Pr. Dave Mann
Sabbath keeping is more about trusting the Lord than being burdened by another commandment. The 3rd commandment states “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” The Sabbath is a gift from God. Some may wonder why Christians consider the 1st day of the week as the Sabbath instead of the 7th that was the original Sabbath Day. The early Christians understood that the day of Jesus’ resurrection (the 1st day of the week) was so honored and sanctified by the Lord himself so that day was the day to be set aside as more important than the others.
Martin Luther’s explanation in The Small Catechism is: “We are to fear and love God so that we do not neglect his Word and the preaching of it but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.”
The psalmist gives his understanding why we should be able to rest on the Sabbath. He explains it in this way. If God can create the universe from nothing, he can also care for us when we rest on the Sabbath or the Lord’s Day. Verse 6 in Psalm 33 presents the remarkable work of God—that he created the world from nothing simply by speaking — By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
If God can do that, can he not also care for us if we do not depend on our own energy to work 24/7? Thus, in obeying the 3rd commandment, which is to rest on the Lord’s Day and honor God by focusing on the Word of God, we demonstrate that his promises are good and faithful. We can trust him as is stated in Psalm 33:18 — But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. The psalmist states his trust in God who can care for us even when we are resting and not depending on our own strength. Psalm 4:8 also gives the same perspective: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
In the gift of the Sabbath, the Lord promises he will care for us. As we rest, we are affirming that we believe him.
PRAYER
Lord God, thank you for the gift of rest that refreshes. Thank you for your Word that refreshes. Please help me appreciate your care and concern for me in the gift of the Sabbath. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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