Our scripture this morning is Genesis 2:1-3 (NLT).
So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
When we read “He rested from His work” don’t get the impression that God was tired. God gave us the Sabbath as a gift, and He demonstrated a balance of work and rest for us. It was to be a time of connection with Him and reflection on all His gifts to us.
The Filament Bible Commentary says “In the same way God separated light from darkness and water from dry land, Sabbath separates the ordinary from the holy.” Sabbath is a special but regular occurrence to remind us that we are made in God’s image and called to follow His example. Observing the Sabbath and keeping it holy is one of God’s commandments for us.
In Mark 2:27 Jesus says “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Different faith traditions teach different days to be set aside, but there’s no wrong day for Sabbath. What is important is to stop our busyness to thank God for His blessings and be refreshed by His Spirit that we may return to our tasks and tell the Good News energetically.
Loving Lord, thank You for a time of rest and connection with You and each other. Help us to rest in You and go into the world to share Your love. Amen.
