Resting is an elusive concept these days. It often gets lost in the shuffle of our daily lives, and even more in the endless mental barrage of news. Yet, God’s command to rest is woven into the very fabric of creation, and it is through this rest that we can find true peace in Jesus Christ.
From the beginning, God set aside the seventh day as a day of rest. In Genesis 2:2-3, we read, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (NIV). This establishment of the Sabbath was not just a suggestion but a command—a sacred rhythm of rest woven into the very order of creation.
The importance of the Sabbath is reiterated throughout the Bible, including in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-11 states, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 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… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (NIV).
So why is the Sabbath so important? Firstly, it serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and provision. By resting on the seventh day, we acknowledge that God is the ultimate Creator and sustainer of all things. It’s a time to pause from our labors and reflect on His goodness and faithfulness.
Moreover, the Sabbath provides us with a much-needed opportunity to rest and rejuvenate physically, mentally, and spiritually. In a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity, the Sabbath invites us to step off the treadmill of constant activity and find refreshment in God’s presence.
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of the Sabbath, saying in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (NIV). He understood that the Sabbath was a gift—a time set apart for our benefit, not a burden to be endured.
In addition to physical rest, the Sabbath is a time for spiritual renewal and worship. It’s a day to gather with fellow believers, to study God’s Word, and to lift our voices in praise and adoration. In doing so, we find rest for our souls as we commune with our Creator and Savior.
Ultimately, finding peace in Jesus and honoring God’s command to rest go hand in hand. As we embrace the Sabbath as a sacred gift from God, we discover a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment that can only be found in Him. May we heed God’s command to rest, trusting in His provision and finding refuge in His unfailing love.
Lazarevic Ministries 