A Day Of Rest
Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest . . .
Exodus 23:12
Early one Sunday morning, as I stood on the bank of the River Thames and watched it as it gurgled and wends its way through the landscape, I was delighted with the life and beauty it brings to the Oxfordshire countryside. I felt myself relax as I watched the cascading water and listened to the birds chirping and singing. I paused and gave thanks to the Lord for how He helps us find rest for our souls.
The Lord instituted a time of Sabbath, a time for rest, worship and renewal, for His people because He wanted them to thrive. As we see in the book of Exodus, He tells them to sow their fields for six years and rest on the seventh. So too with working six days and resting on the seventh. His way of life set apart the Israelites from other nations, for not only they but also the foreigners and slaves in their households were allowed to follow this pattern.
The reality of our need of rest is reinforced by the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus speaks of life’s burdens and His provisions for us (an easy yoke and a light burden), and that is good. Notice, however, that the rest He offers is not simply found in the cessation of activity or release from burdens. It is found in actively seeking His presence and His provision for our lives. The Lord speaks of rest “for (our) souls” which is far more than mere relaxing. It is the rest that replenishes us in the core of our being. This is the ultimate goal of Sabbath rest, a rest that recuperates the heart and restores the spirit.
Bible Reading
Exodus 23:10–13.
Prayer
Lord God, my Creator, in You, we find our rest. Thank You that You have created us both to work and to rest. Please help me find the right rhythm for my life. In Jesus name. Amen.
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