Rest. Rejoice. Remember.
Instead of attending service this Sunday morning, focus on finding time to rest, rejoice and remember. “Rest” could be relaxing at home, going to the beach, biking to a park, visiting family or a brunch. Whatever you do that you fully enjoy and recharges your batteries. Next “Rejoice”. Whatever you do, be intentional and spend time with Jesus. Worship him as your king today. Finally, “remember” all he has done for you and in you.
We, as a church body, are intentionally resting from our routine service schedule. However, the way the bible tells us to rest is different than just “taking a day off”.
God has shown us the importance the resting in the first book of the bible!
And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation. (Genesis 2:3)
God told the Israelites to keep a day of rest each week and that it should “be kept holy”. This day was called the Sabbath. Keeping a day of rest was so important it was one of the top 10 laws God gave the Israelites, the Ten Commandments!
Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. (Exodus 20:8-10)
God knows we have hectic schedules, overwhelming workloads, deadlines at work/school, never-ending activities, and people that depend on our care in addition to living out Jesus’ greatest commandment to be a disciple and make disciples. Hard work is from the God. Working 24/7, we can become physically and mentally fatigued. But rest helps us step back and remember all that God has done for us. It puts the things we stress over in perspective and restores our souls for the week ahead. God knew we need it rest which is why set that example from the very beginning.
There are many ways in which we can find rest. However, as Christians, the only way to find complete rest is to find it in Jesus. But what does that mean?
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
We follow God’s instruction and example by intentionally resting from our work to avoid getting burnt out. However, only through Jesus can we find true, lasting rest. Work emails, soccer practice, personal goals, etc. are important, but when we put our focus on Jesus and eternity everything else falls in place behind. Please use this day to rest, meditate on Jesus, and refresh your soul.
Questions: Rest. Rejoice. Remember.
REST
What are worldly things that I turn to when I feel overwhelmed or stressed instead of turning to rest in Jesus? (i.e. eating, watching TV, over working, skipping time with family/friends)
How can adjust my schedule to intentionally rest one day per week?
What distracts me from resting?
What is something I can do to find rest in Jesus?
How can I help others rest (family, friends, co-workers)?
What place do I find rest the most? (Jesus frequently went away from busy areas by himself and with his disciples to rest)