The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Sabbath: Resting In God

The Sabbath is an invitation to step into God’s time.

Nothing in nature tells us to structure our time in a seven-day week, but ancient Jewish people followed God’s commandment to work six days a week and rest on the final day.

The Sabbath mimics God’s day of rest after creation. It’s a way to experience God’s rest, the final Sabbath at the end of time.  The book of Hebrews describes this Sabbath rest as a paradise for all creation.

The Sabbath is linked with the Year of Jubilee, described in the book of Leviticus. Every seven years, the Jewish people forgave debts and let slaves go free. It was a year of joy and freedom, showing people how good their God was to them.

When we observe the Sabbath, it shows us time is holy. It helps us reorient ourselves to God. As we rest, we become aware that God is the One who provides for us. We don’t have to work all the time to receive his care.

The Israelites are commanded to observe Sabbath in Deuteronomy 5:15 because God brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Resting was a day to remember they weren’t slaves anymore. Their worth wasn’t determined by how much work they accomplished. God loved them and cared for them simply because they were his people.

When we rest in God’s love, we remember that we, too, belong to our Creator.

Observing the Sabbath doesn’t mean sitting around doing nothing. You can still spend time with friends and family, enjoy nature or do something creative. It’s a day for activities that restore your energy and help you taste the goodness of God.

How can you rest in God’s love this Sabbath?

Taken from The NIV Telos Bible.