Entering God's Rest(oration): SABBATH REST

It’s easy for us to get caught up in the 24/7 “busyness routine” that is the ‘normal’ for the world we live in, where our schedules are jam-packed, & where our identities are defined by DOING (our work, education, activities, recreation, etc.) … And even when we’re not actively busy, our version of ‘rest’ is done at a hectic pace.

As I’ve been studying for our “Entering God’s Rest” series, I keep going back to the first time “REST” is mentioned in the Bible. It’s in Genesis 2:1-3, & it happens right after God has finished with the creation of the earth & everything living in it. It says:

The heavens & the earth were finished, & all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, & He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day & made it holy…

Makes me wonder: WHY did God rest?

I don’t think that it was because He was tired… rather, I believe God intentionally included REST as a part  of the creation process because of His desire to establish REST as an integral part of the rhythm of life. Later, in the Ten Commandments, God declared that His people would celebrate the Sabbath, a.k.a. “holy time,” as a reminder of what He did & of our need for ceasing from our labors (see Exodus 20:8-11).

Today we’re going to explore Sabbath Rest & learn more of the WHY’s & HOW’s of entering the rest that God intends for His people.

Blessings, grace, peace & REST to you -