Jesus said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” Mark 2:27
“The sabbath has been a great gift to me by slowing me down and inviting me to experience God’s rest — not just analyze it…I have received the gift of rest in Christ…The sabbath has also enabled me to learn form Jesus, to take His gentle yoke upon my shoulders rather than live in response to the world’s demands and my own unhealthy desires.
Keeping a sabbath has taught me the deep truths of God’s love as much as any faith discipline I have observed as an adult. It has shaped my heart, opening me to receive God’s gifts more fully. I stumbled into sabbath keeping…I experienced it, felt it was a gift and believed God wanted me to experience that gift every week…
When we unwrap a gift, we experience the greatest joy if we thank the giver and use the gift. Sitting around analyzing the gift — considering why the person chose it, how it reflects love or lack of love, whether we really want it or like it — keeps us from enjoying it.”
Lynne M. Baab in Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in the Rhythms of Rest (Downers Grove: IVP, 2005) 10-11.
Some saints enjoy and experience gifts from God more quickly than others. Rest is something I am still learning to enjoy and experience. Perhaps you can identify with me. It’s enriching to discover that Jesus does not force us to rest from our labors; He invites us to take a break with Him. Rest is a gift! We must “unwrap” it to enjoy it!
Do you enjoy and experience this generous gift from God? Can you think of one new weekly sabbath rhythm that might enrich you for the duration of each week?