The word Sabbath first appears in the Bible as the Israelites, who had just escaped a horrific 400 years of enslavement, were newly learning how to live as free people. The Bible describes their enslaved experience as crushing, oppressive and without mercy.
While slavery was common in ancient days, and slaves could receive education, status and comfort in the homes of benevolent families, that was not the case for Hebrew slaves during their captivity in Egypt.
Sabbath Freedom
God rescued them and they were finally free, but the Israelites were not used to freedom. They were used to forced labour every day of their lives, with no recollection of what a healthy, holy rhythm of life could look like. So, on route to a new home and life, the leader of the newly freed Hebrew slaves, Moses, had good news to deliver.
Moses told the former slaves that they were to enjoy a whole day of rest–a holy Sabbath day, set apart for the Lord and for their benefit. This amazing gift of rest would apply not only once, but every single week. The Sabbath was the Lord’s recurring gift to his people. They just needed to receive it.
Unimaginable.
God’s Example of Sabbath
In fact, God set the example of Sabbath himself, even earlier on in Scripture.
It was a model for the world and a timeless gift to us all – if we would receive it.
Family and Sabbath
I think that Sabbath rest might, sadly, be a lost or outdated rhythm in much of North America. I do recall a time when I was young when it was more common. Like many families in our community, my parents, siblings and I would head off for church on Sunday morning and head right back to church in the evening – yes, church twice on Sunday! In between, my parents would enjoy a long, unhurried siesta. Us kiddos could sleep, or rest in other ways. We learned that Sabbath was a time for worship, relationships, and rest for a full day, every week. Our family learned that rhythm from Scripture, and from the old Hebrew tradition of Sabbath.
Today, that is not so common. Ironically, in a time in history when we have the most time-saving devices ever known, we seem to be running more ragged than ever, busy seven days a week.
A Sabbath Challenge
Here is the challenge. If a Sabbath day is not your practice, test its benefits by incorporating a complete day to rest and worship, for one whole year. Eliminate any form of work on your Sabbath day.
Maybe your work isn’t in a field gathering grain, or maybe it is. If it is, leave the field. Maybe your work is on your laptop, in your home office, or at a retail store, clinic, or hospital that’s open for business and buzzing 7 days a week. Whatever your environment, set aside your work tools one consistent day every week. Give that day over to rest and worship. Test God’s principle of Sabbath, and see if you emerge more whole, not only physically, but in every other SPIRE way – Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Relationally, Emotionally.
As you take up this challenge, may the God of the Sabbath, lead you to rest, and strengthen not just your body, but your soul.