Do you take a Sabbath rest? 🤔

Rest is perhaps the most neglected blessing that God has given us. After God created the universe and mankind, He rested. “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all his work.” (Genesis 2:2, NIV) It seems so out of place. Why would the God of the universe rest? Why would rest be listed in the first chapter of the Bible? Why would God give it as a commandment to Moses on Mount Moriah? Why is honoring the Sabbath listed in the Ten Commandments? “‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.’” (Exodus 20:8, NIV)

Do you honor the Sabbath? Do you know how to honor this commandment? Please don’t be too hard on yourself. Most people I know have no clue what a real weekly sabbath is. In fact, I will be so bold as to say that very few Christians understand or practice a sabbath.

So, what is a sabbath, and what should it look like in a practical sense?

Not long ago, I was in Israel to pray and support the battle for peace and democracy in the region. It was an amazing trip, but I experienced the Sabbath in Jerusalem...and it challenged me to the core. The devout Jewish followers were very strict in regards to the Jewish guidelines for the Sabbath. They didn’t work or take elevators. The women didn’t cook, and most of the stores and restaurants were closed. Entire families would head to hotels, sit in the lobbies, eat, and talk. It looked like a mini-retreat every week. It was very moving. Then tens of thousands would head to the temple wall and dance. It was beautiful. I was very moved by their application of the Sabbath commandment.

I’m wondering why we as Christians don’t practice the Sabbath in our own ways. I think a real day of rest with our families and friends would recenter, refresh, and renew us. Do you need rest? Try a weekly sabbath and see what it will do for you and your loved ones.

Because you are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet