In Episode 011, Jeff and Sabrina finish part 2 of their Sabbath conversation by talking about what you DO on the Sabbath. So much of the Sabbath conversation is around what you don’t do or shouldn’t do, but the Sabbath is a day for doing as well.
If you missed Part 1 of the series, you can go back and listen to that here: https://jeffmaness.com/episode-010-the-sabbath-practice-part-1/
Jeff and Sabrina share a general framework of the Sabbath, they talk about what their Sabbath normally looks like, and they share some practical tips and tools for people in the specific stage of life with young kids.
What is the Sabbath? The Sabbath is a command from God, rooted in the rhythm of creation, for our good. It is a reminder of who we are in God. That we are not overworked and overburdened slaves, we are blessed and beloved children of God. It is a gift. A 24-hour, weekly invitation from God to stop all of our ordinary work and activity, and truly rest. And itt reveals and refocuses our trust in God.
The framework of the Sabbath is this: Stop, rest, delight, and worship. If you think of those as the four corners of a frame, then there is great freedom inside that frame. Stop, rest, delight, and worship. Inside that frame is great freedom!
What do you do on the Sabbath? Whatever is restful, whatever causes you delight, and whatever is worshipful. Whatever! As long as it’s not what you do for a living or to make money. As long as it’s not physically, emotionally, or mentally draining. As long as it’s not unethical or immoral, do it! There is so much freedom!
Remember what Jesus said: Mark 2:27 27 The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.
According to one expert on balancing work and life, stress is a factor in five out of six leading causes of death — heart disease, cancer, stroke, lower respiratory disease, and accidents. An estimated 75% to 90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related issues.
Quotes shared:
We were made to work six days and rest one. The seven-day rhythm is sacred. The seven-day week is not the result of human ingenuity; rather, it is a reflection of God’s brilliance. – John Mark Comer
Restfulness is margin over busyness. Slow over hurry. Quiet, over noise. Time alone, over crowds. Delight over distraction on your phone or Netflix. Enjoyment over envy of what he has or she has or they have. Clarity about how you are, what you’re made to do over confusion and the fog and the tyrrany of urgent. Gratitude and contentment over greed and the lust for more. “I’m ok with my life how it is. More than ok, it’s good. It’s working, but it’s working from love, and from rest, not for love or for rest. A life of trust in God instead of the opposite which is not doubt but anxiety. – John Mark
A “day off” cannot sustain the human soul. Only a Sabbath can. The Sabbath is a day when our hearts are at rest from striving, doing, producing, and—most important—responding to emails. A Sabbath day is not merely stopping our work; it is also stopping our thinking and scheming about work. AJ Swoboda
The truth is that, like the Sabbath rest itself, it isn’t for His benefit. Nor is it something that wins us brownie points with Him. It’s for our enjoyment and benefit. — Robert Morris
As it relates to the poor, the stay-at-home dad, the person in prison, the disabled, or any person who is in a place of life where Sabbath is excruciatingly problematic, what matters most is not that they do a Sabbath perfectly but that they try their best in whatever context they find themselves in. While the ideal is to rest one day a week, some simply cannot. And for the person who risks to take a four-hour window of rest, the Lord will be present with him or her in the midst of the attempt. For the stay-at-home mom who can give one hour of quiet and solitude to God after putting her children down to sleep, God will meet her in her intentional rest. AJ Swoboda
Additional Scripture:
Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.
Mark 3:4 4 “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.
Isaiah 58:13-14 “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. 14 Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Ten Suggested Sabbath Practices:
- The lighting of the Sabbath candles (Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5)
- Sleep (Sleep in, take a nap)
- Spend time alone with God with no time limit (Scripture, prayer, worship)
- Spend time alone in the quiet – shut off the noise.
- Spend time with family or close friends (especially if you’re an extrovert.)
- Food
- Watch a good movie, tv-show, or sporting event, or spend some time reading. (Try & limit how much screen time, but also what kind of entertainment you are receiving.)
- Go for a walk – get outside for an activity or do something that brings delight to your soul.
- Make love (Only if you’re married.)
- Spend time thanking God for all He’s done, all He’s made, and all He’s given you, instead of pursuing more or dreaming about what you don’t have.