Soul Care Part 4: SabbathSample

Blessing in the Break

Although not always easy to follow, the commands God laid out for His people were straightforward and simple; yet by the time Jesus walked the earth, religious leaders had layered on so many specific rules and restrictions that trying to comply was stressful, confusing and … impossible. They were really missing the point.

God intended for the Sabbath to create a life rhythm and focus that would make it possible for the people to receive all that He had for them. Today’s passages reveal some of God’s heart for the Sabbath and a few of the specific blessings that obedience promised to bring. How do these things differ from the concept of Sabbath that the Pharisees approached Jesus with? How do these things agree or disagree with how you think about Sabbath?

Ask Yourself:

-How easy is it to apply layers of do’s and don’ts over God’s instructions in your life? (Maybe interpreting His guidance through a social or cultural lens, or making assumptions for today based on something that you went through last year.)

-What are some specific ways that you may be tempted to overcomplicate a Sabbath practice?

Pause to Pray:

Lord, lead me in the way of obedience to Your word. Help me to surrender ____________ so that I can find delight in Your Sabbath rest and honor Your holy day. Pour out Your joy as I learn to live fully and freely in Your kingdom.

Take a Next Step:

Identify one or two specific ‘rules’ that you may have about what Sabbath looks like that are not actually included in the commandment. Ask God for fresh revelation on what it can look like for you to keep it holy, and then try out this new approach.