Receiving God s Invitation to Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbath Living High Rock Church November 14, 2012
What examples from Jesus teaching or lifestyle give us a glimpse of another way of living? Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) this is what is better Jesus took a nap in midst of a storm (Luke 8: 22-25 Jairus(Luke 8:41-55) he had time for woman with bleeding ailment, but his timing was perfect with Jairus) Zacchaeus(Luke 19:1-10) he was spontaneous and had margins Story of the great banquet (Luke 14:16-24) Jesus invites people to a banquet Invited disciples to go with him to quiet place and get some rest (Mark 6:31) Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-14) Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6: 1-11)
What causes us to feel overloaded? Activity Multi-tasking Choice Over-commitment Decisions Expectations Fatigue Hurry Information Media Noise People Possessions Technology Work
Other factors that can influence our perspective on time and overloads Values from family Personal system of busyness Guilt when not being involved with productive activities Personality bent toward perfectionism, compulsion, achievement Un-discipline or over-disciplines Identity tied into being a do-er Unrealistic perception of time Expectations for achievement that go beyond God s calling upon your life
Jesus invites you to come away with Him Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light Matt 11:28-30
Receiving the Sabbath The Sabbath is a day for the sake of life. Man is not a beast of burden, and the Sabbath is not for the purpose of enhancing the efficiency of this work. Last in creation, first in intentions. The Sabbath is the end of the creation of heaven and earth. The Sabbath is not for the sake of the weekdays, the weekdays are for the sake of Sabbath. It is not an interlude but the climax of living. Heschel (1951)
The Sabbath is A present from the treasure house of God A delight A day of the soul as well as the body A reminder of this world and world to come Joy, holiness, rest from labor Not a date, but an atmosphere A day that ennobles the soul strengthens body The day on which we learn the art of surpassing civilization
Day of abstaining from work and the thought of work A sanctuary in time A day of detachment from things To be welcomed as a bride Is like a queen and we are to prepare for her Sign of the covenant God s everlasting love An example of the world to come; an ascent to the summit
Is the Sabbath just an Old Testament The Sabbath points to Jesus law? Matt 12:8 the son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2:27 The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. Col 2:16-17 do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Hebrews 4:1-11 vs10-11 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
What can we learn from God s Rest? Even when life is pressing down on us, God invites us to rest He takes pleasure when we: Rest in Him Enjoy His creation Express our creativity Extend ourselves in loving hospitality
How does all this tie into Sabbath living? It can is a time to remember that we are no longer in slavery The inner freedom, joy, and delight that flows out of Sabbath rest is found in Christ and that inner freedom flows into the week through rhythms. The Sabbath is more than a 1 day observance. It is the key that opens life to its fullest (not necessarily the busiest)
How can we receive the gift of rest? Enter into the Sabbath as an invitation: the rest of Jesus -- receive it as a gift of His grace to you Spiritual disciplines of silence, solitude, simplicity Build in rhythms of rest, relaxation, recreation, reflection Following seasons of stress, seek balance and peace Prepare for it in advance (candles, meal, anticipation, etc) Purposefully receive the day and move slowly Refrain from thinking about work When tempted toward productivity, ask yourself why? Focus on the present and take delight in it
Be aware of the tyranny of the urgent as an ongoing mode of living. Cease, put urgent matters to the side. Learn to say no to commitments that are outside your present calling Give yourself a technology sabbathrest (checking texts, emails, surfing web, etc). Walk or bike whenever possible instead of using car Be in nature and observe the beauty of God s creation Declare family/friend day and keep the commitment Be aware of slavery to materialism, hurriedness, competitiveness, distractions Receive it as a gift to be savored!