05/20/2024
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"Measuring Your Love for God: Do You Observe Times of Rest?"
In our fast-paced world, the concept of rest often gets brushed aside. We measure our worth by our productivity, leading us to believe that non-stop work is the key to success. However, the biblical perspective offers a radically different view, one that not only values rest but commands it. The third commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," invites us to pause and reflect on this divine principle.
The Importance of Sabbath
God's instruction to observe the Sabbath is rooted in the creation narrative where God Himself rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This wasn't because He was weary but to set a pattern for us, a rhythm of work and rest. The Sabbath is a gift from God, a time to cease our labors and remember His sovereignty over our lives and our time.
Jesus emphasized the value of rest when He declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). This statement underscores that Sabbath rest is designed for our benefit—it rejuvenates us spiritually and physically. By observing times of rest, we acknowledge that our strength and productivity are gifts from God, not merely results of our efforts.
Learning from Jesus' Example
Throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled how to balance work with times of solitude and prayer. Before making major decisions or after intense periods of ministry, Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). These moments of rest were vital for His spiritual endurance and are a model for us. They remind us that in our rest, we are not merely stopping work; we are actively engaging with God, sharpening our spiritual axes, so to speak.
The Tale of the Woodsmen
Consider the tale of two woodsmen. One day, they decided to hold a contest to see who could chop more wood from dawn till dusk. The first woodsman, determined and relentless, chopped away without pausing, only stopping briefly for lunch. The second woodsman chopped at a steady pace but took regular breaks and a longer lunch. At day’s end, the first woodsman was astonished to see that despite his continuous labor, the second had chopped significantly more wood.
“How did you manage to chop more wood?” he asked, baffled and exhausted.
“Didn’t you notice,” the second woodsman replied with a smile, “that while I took my breaks, I was sharpening my ax? Each time I rested, I made my next efforts more effective.”
This story mirrors the wisdom of the Sabbath. Regular periods of rest not only prevent burnout but enhance our overall productivity and effectiveness. They allow us to sharpen our own axes—our minds, bodies, and spirits.
Practical Application
Intentionality in Rest: Just as the second woodsman planned breaks to sharpen his ax, we too need to be intentional about our times of rest. Schedule regular periods where you disconnect from your daily tasks and connect with God. It might be a few minutes each day or a specific day each week.
Focus on God During Rest: Use your Sabbath to reflect on what God has done in your life and in creation. This can be through prayer, worship, reading Scripture, or enjoying nature—any activity that helps you focus on God and His goodness.
Embrace Rest as a Gift: Recognize that rest is not a hindrance to productivity but a divine provision for your well-being. Embrace it as an act of faith, trusting that God holds all things, including your time and your tasks.
A Heartfelt Prayer
Father God,
We come before You today to thank You for the blessing of the Sabbath, a divine gift that refreshes our souls and bodies. Help us to embrace the rhythm of rest that You established at creation, knowing that as we rest, we declare Your sovereignty over our lives and our time.
Teach us to be intentional about setting aside times for rest, not as a luxury, but as a necessary practice for our spiritual and physical well-being. In these moments, let us focus wholly on You, remembering all that You have done and are doing in our lives.
Father, forgive us for the times we've overlooked Your command to rest, driven by our misconceptions of productivity. Remind us that in resting, we are not idle; we are actively placing our trust in You, acknowledging that we depend not on our strength but on Yours.
As we learn to rest in You, let us feel Your embrace, reassuring us of Your love and care. May this practice of Sabbath rest draw us closer to You and prepare us for an eternity spent in Your presence.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflect on this invitation to rest this week, and see how it changes your perspective on work and worship. Remember, resting is not just about stopping; it's about recharging in God's presence and aligning ourselves with His will and His timing.
