Day 70 Through The Bible

Day 70: The Sabbath Rest - A Call to Trust and Rest in God

The concept of the Sabbath is often misunderstood or dismissed as something belonging to the Old Testament and irrelevant to our modern lives. However, the principle of the Sabbath is not bound by time or Old Testament law—it is an eternal truth that holds deep significance for Christians today. Sabbath rest isn’t just about taking a break from physical labor; it’s about ceasing our efforts and trusting fully in God's power and provision.

The Biblical Principle: Trusting God’s Provision

The idea behind the Sabbath in the Bible goes beyond simply pausing from work for one day a week. God instructed the Israelites to observe a Sabbath year every seventh year in the Old Testament. This wasn’t just about resting from physical labor; it was an act of trust and obedience. God told the Israelites to let the land rest, refraining from planting, harvesting, or pruning. Instead, they were to rely on the provision God had already provided and trust that He would care for their needs in that year of rest.

In Leviticus 25:2-7, God said:

"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field nor prune thy vineyard... and the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you."

This year of rest was more than just a physical break. It was a time to reflect on God’s sovereignty and acknowledge that He provides for all needs. The Israelites were called to rest from their work and trust in God’s provision for their sustenance. What better rest could there be than following God’s plan and resting because He will do the job and provide everything needed?

Practical Application: Trusting God with Our Lives

The Sabbath principle has practical implications for us today. It teaches us the value of resting—not just physically but spiritually. In a world that constantly pressures us to do more, achieve more, and rely on our efforts, the Sabbath calls us to pause and reflect on the truth that God ultimately provides for our needs.

This doesn’t mean we should stop working or neglect our responsibilities. The Bible doesn't tell us to sit back and pray for food to fall from the sky. Instead, the Sabbath reminds us that our work should always be done in partnership with God, trusting that He is the ultimate source of provision. Just as the Israelites were instructed to rest after six years of sowing and gathering, we, too, are called to step back regularly and acknowledge God’s role as the provider of all things.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus provides a powerful reminder of this truth:

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink... behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap... yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? ... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Jesus teaches us that, just as God provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, He will also take care of us. Our role is not to worry or strive for our strength but to trust God’s provision and seek His kingdom first. When we rest in the reality that God is in control and will provide what we need, we can indeed find peace and contentment.

A Generation That Rests in God

One of the most important things we can do as Christians is to teach the next generation the value of resting in God. In a world filled with distractions and pressures, it's easy for our children to grow up thinking that success comes from striving and working harder. But the truth is, our success and fulfillment come from trusting God and resting in His perfect plan.

By taking intentional rest and focusing on God’s provision, we can show our children the importance of relying on God rather than on their efforts by incorporating the Sabbath principle into our lives. When we live with this understanding, we create a foundation that can help prevent the idolatry of the world’s standards from taking root in their hearts.

Conclusion

The Sabbath is not merely an Old Testament concept but a timeless principle that speaks to the heart of the Christian life. It calls us to cease our work and rest in God’s provision, trusting that He will always meet our needs. Applying this truth in our lives teaches us to surrender our striving and rely on God’s power.

Let us be intentional about observing spiritual rest, not just physical rest, by acknowledging that God is in control of all things. As we do this, we find rest for our souls and teach the next generation to trust in God’s faithfulness, ensuring that they, too, will rest in His promises.