Start each day by reading the Scripture. During this reading plan, we’ll then use the summary provided here to guide our discussion around the daily reading.
In His teaching and ministry, Jesus reminded people about the heart of the Sabbath. More than a rule or a law, it was always intended to be a regular reminder of His true rest.
16 because they rejected my rules and did not walk in my statutes, and profaned my Sabbaths; for their heart went after their idols. – Ezekiel 20:16
This verse reminds me of how the chase of other idols can disrespect the intention of Sabbath. I think of these other idols are worldly distractions, worldly accomplishments. It is meant to bask in The idea of opening our eyes to Gods will, having compassion for ourselves And our own evolution.
16 because they rejected my rules and did not walk in my statutes, and profaned my Sabbaths; for their heart went after their idols. – Ezekiel 20:16
Tomorrow I will Sabbath in a city park with people who are homeless and some who’s language I don’t speak. One thing I know, we will feel the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Our Savior. May you all find rest this weekend in Our Lord and give thanks.
Looking forward to Sabbath rest this weekend. Learning to let myself look forward to it instead of preparing for it by making sure I get “enough” done to actually enjoy it. I have “the Sabbath reminds us MY work is never one, but God’s is,” written on the window over my kitchen sink. Having a big family means there are almost always dishes in the sink. I will never have “enough” done to rest, but I have permission from my Creator to set it aside regularly to sit in His gift of rest.
Your comment is good. Pause to and remember it is God who consecrates us. Him only! Thank you for sharing.
I see Ezekiel as a warning; what can happen to us if we don’t observe the Sabbath. I do believe that a Sabbath can look different in each of our lives, but it’s very clear that we need to be sure to not defile the Sabbath rest. In this passage they Israelites were not able to go into the Promised Land because of their rebellion against the Sabbath (and other things). I know for me, I want to be able to live in the Promised Land, so therefore I will receive the Sabbath rest for me. I think the Sabbath rest is more of an attitude of reliance on God for my provision, rather than thinking I need to keep striving to take care of myself. Also, in our culture we are applauded for being busy. How much of our busy-ness is us trying to keep up with what culture says we are supposed to do? Where in the Word does it say God will applaud us for being busy? He calls us to stop striving and rely in Him for all that we need.
I love that God is my provider, so I can stop being so busy trying to supply all my needs, and just let Him do it. Therefore I can enter into His rest and be content with what He has given me to do.
Happy FRIDAY!! My favorite day of the week! Speaking of rest, one of the main reasons why I love Friday is because I do get to REST. I believe that God also wants us to rest not only spiritually, but also physically and emotionally. By the end of the week I’m so drained (from work)that I look forward to GRACE DAY and not feel rushed. Even though Saturdays are filled with running,(literally physically running I’m training for a half marathon) and running errands, grocery shopping, I still get to enjoy some REST in the Lord. I look forward to hanging out with my beautiful daughter at a coffee shop over conversation. It’s rest for the both of us. PLEASE pray for physical and mental rest for my daughter, she was up very late finishing up a major assignment.
Rest in God and He will give us reflection and speak to us.