Rooted in Truth: A Devotion in the Ten CommandmentsMfano

Resting in God

For Instruction

The Sabbath was a special sign in Israel's covenant with God (Exo 31:13). It reminded them of their covenant with Him and that He is the Creator. It also pointed forward to the true rest that would come through Jesus. For Christians, the Sabbath is not about resting on a particular Day of the week, but rather about resting in a particular Person--Jesus Christ. We are to stop working to try to justify ourselves before God and rest in Christ's finished work on our behalf.

For Giving Thanks

God cares about our rest. He provides physical rest for His people (Psa 127:2). He has also provided for us spiritual rest in Jesus Christ (Heb 4:9-10). Take a moment to thank God for both physical and spiritual rest.

For Confession

The pattern for the Sabbath was given in Genesis when God rested on the seventh day. Why did God set up this pattern? Certainly, He didn't need to rest. But He certainly made us to need rest. As Christians, we are no longer required to rest on a particular day (Col 2:16-17; Rom 14:5). But we still need physical and spiritual rest. It has been rightly said that if we are continually working all the time, this could mean that we are not looking solely for provision from Him. And if we are not spiritually at rest, this could mean that we are not trusting Christ as we should.

Confess to the Lord any ways that you are hurried and constantly active and how these can become an expression of a lack of trust in Him. Confess to Him as well any spiritual disquietude in your heart or any ways that you are still trying to work to earn His free favor. Ask Him to renew and deepen your trust in Jesus who is your only true rest.

For Prayer

Lord God, please grant to me the true Sabbath rest that is found in your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant to me also times of physical rest so that I may learn to stop and trust in you for all of my needs. May my life reflect the serenity of a continual spiritual Sabbath because of everything you have accomplished for me.