RESTING IN GOD
Read Exodus 20:1-17
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work; the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it, you shall do no work; you nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates.
Exodus 20:9-10 (NKJV)
You may have heard the expression, “Thank God it’s Friday.” Suggests the culmination of activities for a work week. This statement resonates with me as I look forward to the freedom of not doing my regular job and getting some rest. In creation week, God saw the necessity of having fellowship with man. Thus, He made the Sabbath, a day set apart for that purpose. God made the Sabbath Holy so He could commune with man, the crowning jewels of His creation (Genesis 2:3, Exodus 20:8-11).
Resting in God on Sabbath is not about laying around the house doing nothing. We should not work to the point where all facets of our being are so exhausted that we cannot be engaged in ministry. Neither is it about indulging in self-seeking activities. God has been more than reasonable in giving us six days to go about our daily duties. He asks us to only dedicate one in total devotion to him.
God understands and wants to be in the affairs of our daily lives. We should never think He does not care about our well-being, health, or the ability to provide for our families. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We are called to be co-laborers with Christ, living as He lived. Growing up, He would go about His daily work as a Carpenter in His father’s workshop (Mark 6:3). Amidst this, He saw the need to commune with God and His fellow believers. Jesus was active in doing good on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16, John 5:16).
Prayer Focus: A Dedication to Rest.
Prayer: Holy Father, as we desire to obey your precepts, give us the courage to follow you rather than man. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for Today: God says to remember because He knew we would forget!
Contributor: Ms. Nichole Shaw (Florida, United States)
Screen Editor: Mr. Wensley Dias
Editor: Mrs.Tyischa Belton