Deuteronomy 5:12
“Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you.”
The Lord commanded the day of rest for several reasons: personal rest and remembering Him.
Studies have shown the result of overwork and stress. It wears us down. Some people are very unhealthy, because of it. Anxiety could also result. Never leaving the drama our our problems is distressing. We need down time. God mixes that in.
We crave rest. Even if we aren’t aware of it. The thought of the sabbath rest, makes us relax.
The other intent of the sabbath was to remember The Lord. One of the purposes of the sabbath was to remember that God rescued them from Egypt (v.15). We are to make time for Him in our lives. We tend to be wrapped up in our problems. Remembering Him and how he wants to manage our lives gives us peace and hope.
Keeping the sabbath was a commandment in the Old Testament. It isn’t in the New. However, the principle is there. We need down time and we need to make a place in our lives for Him.
The sabbath rest was symbolic of coming to Christ. Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest ” Being in relationship to God is restful. His presence is like a battery charger. We are rejuvinated by Him.
This verse tells us much about the heart of God. He wants us to be rested. This isn’t immediately understood. Adam and Eve’s response to God was to hide and blame. They were filled with guilt at the thought of God. Many people feel this same “ill at ease”. Yet, He wants us to be at rest. Our culture sees christians as uptight. The opposite of rest.
Lord, thank You that You want us to rest and You provide that option. Help us to draw nigh to Your presence to enter that rest.