[217 words]
Under the old covenant, God commanded the Israelites to keep a Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11). On the last day of each week, those who followed God were to take off from work any kind. They were to worship God with their Jewish brethren and they were to rest.
In additional to taking one day off per week for a Sabbath rest, God also commanded that the Jews take various weeks off, too (Leviticus 23:4-8, 34). These “Sabbath weeks” are similar to our holiday vacations in these days…if we remember to keep our focus on God and to not use such excursions as an excuse to stop worshiping God and studying His word.
Yes, I know that God no longer requires Sabbath-keeping under the New Testament (Colossians 2:13-17; Hebrews 8-10). But 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.
Next week, we will be celebrating our national holiday of Thanksgiving. It will be a time to gather with family and friends, eat a good meal, thanking God for all our benefits.
Enjoy your rest but remember: don’t leave God out of the equation.
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX