Dedicated to Rest

As I've been reading through my Bible, especially in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, I've noticed there is a lot of repetition.  Although its tempting to breeze over them, I've been diligent in trying to stay focused during these sections.  I believe the the purpose of the repetition is two-fold.  The first is simply to remind the nation of Israel their laws so that they will not fall into sin as they are about to inhabit the Promised Land.  However, the second benefits us; it allows us to hear God's Law continually like waves on the ocean.

In particular, I've been reminded how much God values the fourth commandment:

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.  On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your ages.  For in six days the LORD made heave and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:8-11
[emphasis added]

It's clear that God does not want us to to do work on Sunday; that's what we have six other days for.  Yet, sometimes I just can't help myself.  I am a person who is driven to do work and tasks and jobs and projects, and I like to get them done as quickly as possible.  It's weird to admit it, but it's difficult for me to take a day long break.  Even God kicked-back on the seventh day to admire His creation; He has set a precedent for me, and I should do my best to follow.

And this, too:

Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you.

Exodus 31:13

The Sabbath rest quiets our restless spirits, and allows God to mend and rejuvenate us for the good work He has already prepared for us to do for the week ahead.  But if we try to cheat the system and get a head-start, we end up cheating ourselves of an opportunity to be with Him - our Creator and Sustainer.

For the past few weeks, I've been trying hard not to do too much work and simply rest.  During the Summer, I think that its easier for me.  When school starts though, it'll be tempting to prepare lessons or grade papers.  But this year, with God's help, I'll be trying to keep the Sabbath as it was intended to.  Please pray for me as I challenge the ambitions of my flesh to do work, and ask that I am rested and sanctified on the Sabbath.