Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Exodus 20:8 NIV
I was reflecting on the Sabbath day and what that should mean in our lives this morning. I see the Sabbath as a gift from GOD, a break from our “routine” to rest and to spend some time working on reconnecting with GOD. Leviticus 23:3 tells us, “…the seventh day is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation….”
Are there things in your life separating you from GOD? We all need to pause from many of the things we normally do just to spend some Sabbath time and focus on removing some of the things which stand between us and the LORD. If we are not careful the cacophony and many noises of the world around us can begin to drown out the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It can become very easy for us to do lots of good things to the point that there are no margins of time left in our lives for studying the Word or reflection; no time left to listen to GOD.
Unless we are very intentional about honoring a weekly Sabbath, and occasionally taking a bit longer, to rest and connect with the LORD, our focus can easily shift from GOD. Oh, yes, we may still be doing good things or not, but either way, we need that Sabbath rest to have a clear perspective on whether we are following GOD’S plan or our own.
Now, please don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying we cannot or should not do good on the Sabbath. I am saying we need to be intentional about setting aside time with the Lord. We should never just be giving GOD our “left-over” time!
In short, we need the Sabbath to rest and renew. Let us recall Jesus’ words in Matthew 2:27 when He says, “The Sabbath was made to meet the requirements of people.” We require the Sabbath! Let us remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. So be it.