DAy eighteen: Sabbath rest. Understanding when to work and when to rest. Partnering with God on the road to freedom.

Taking a day of rest was a foreign concept to a people who had been enslaved for 400 years. Their worth was tied to what they produced – if they couldn't work, they were of no use. So one of the first commandments God establishes for them is Sabbath rest.

They needed to grasp that their value didn't come from what they could do but from who they were—God's chosen people, made in His image. He rested from his labors and called it good, and they were to do the same.

God used the manna He provided to train them, instructing them to collect double on the sixth day so they can enjoy rest on the seventh. And yet the people still went out on the seventh day to collect, ignoring God’s command. 

Keeping the Sabbath was an issue for the Israelites for a very long time. But by the time Jesus arrived on the scene, the Israelites had their Sabbath act together. They had it so together it was tightly wound into additional restrictions, rules and regulations to make sure that they didn't break it ever again. 

In their zeal to keep the Sabbath, the Israelites lost sight of the main purpose, drowning in rules instead of drawing near to the God who gave them rest. Jesus did so many healings and  miracles on the Sabbath to show that while they rested, He healed and restored them. He wanted them to find their identity and rest in Him rather than relying on their endless rules.

While we may not follow a specific Sabbath day rule like the Jewish law, we are all called to rest in God. Our focus should be on living by grace, not by works. As we rest in Him, Jesus works within us, bringing about spiritual, emotional, and mental rest. This way, we can experience the freedom He brings into our lives.

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 5:15 
-  Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day. 
 
Scripture References: Hebrews 4:9-11
- So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. 10 For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. 11 So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. 
 
Scripture References: Matthew 11:28-30
-  Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. 

Prayer Prompt: Pray for God to reveal the way to rest in Him. Ask for His peace that surpasses understanding so you can trust that He will work on your behalf. Ask for the ability to be still with God in your prayers.