Shabbat

Rest

We read in Exodus the commandment: keep Shabbat, come to rest.

In a world with so much coming at us, we have lost that rest a bit. How can we truly be at rest with Jesus? I don't know about you, but I often heard in my life, "Because of Jesus' sacrifice, the law is no longer in force, and we are free.” But how free are we really if we can no longer set aside one day for God and those close to us? To rest and refresh our souls to know Him better?

Connection with God

God did not give us the principle of 6 days of work and one day of rest for nothing. He knows us and knows better than anyone else what we need to be in relationship with Him and those around us. He longs to be in connection with us. To have a special moment of encounter, apart from all the busyness and distractions. Out of peace and space.

On day two, we already spoke about the Shabbat meal, a place of relaxation and encounter with each other and with God. What better way to do that than at the table at the meal, the place where Jesus also loved to be? This section shows that Jesus comes to the table with Mary. And He is only too happy to join you too!

Just do it

Everyone longs for rest. And that rest is available. What would happen if you choose to accept the principle of rest that God has already put into creation, offering (even commanding?) you? What would happen if you chose to truly be in regular relaxation with Him? A day to enjoy. To be. To rest. To recognize that what happens in this world does not depend on your effort?

Do you dare to choose a day in the week of 24 hours of complete rest? No phone, no TV, no work, no ...? That doesn't mean you have to do "nothing" all day. How can you enjoy a day with only things that lead you to rest, celebrate, worship, being?

Meeting each other at the table and inviting Jesus into it. I would say: just do it! In my opinion, this creates space to receive.

Take the following questions to consider:

• If you met Jesus, will you, like Mary, also celebrate Shabbat? Why yes/no?
• What about your work-rest rhythm?
• How would a weekly moment of Shabbat affect you?

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You that You are a God of rest. And that You very consciously give us a rhythm of work and rest. I would like to experience that rest in my own life. Help me to prioritize that in my life. Amen."

P.S. This is the last day of this reading plan. We hope it has helped you as a follower of Jesus and that you have enjoyed it, but, of course, there is much more to discover.

The materials in this reading plan come from Alongsiders, a European discipleship movement. Do you want to take the next step? Do you have a heart for discipleship and want to know how to really follow Jesus?

Click here for more reading plans and opportunities to grow in discipleship.