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We know that under the old covenant, God commanded the Jews to keep a Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11). But did you know that God also commanded that the Jews take various weeks off, too? (Leviticus 23:4-8, 34). These “Sabbath weeks” are similar to our vacations.
Today, God no longer requires Sabbath-keeping under the New Testament (Colossians 2:13-17; Hebrews 8-10). However, it is still a good idea to rest 1 day out of 7 … and to have an occasional week of rest.
In rest, we are taking time to re-create ourselves. This was not man’s invention. It was God’s idea. One important thing to remember is to keep our focus on God and to not use such excursions as an excuse to stop worshiping God and studying His word. Instead, true rest includes strengthening our relationship with the Lord.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:1-2).
“Dear Lord, thank you for allowing us times for ‘holy rest.’ Amen!”
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX