In this episode, we revisit our dive from Episode 010 into the subject of the Sabbath. What is it? Why do we practice it? When do we practice it? What do we stop doing on the Sabbath? We answer several listener questions as well about the Sabbath.
The Sabbath can be one of the most misunderstood practices in the faith, but it is one of the most beneficial ones too. It has changed our lives and we want to bring some clarity and confirmation to it for you as well.
In the next episode, we will dive into what you DO on the Sabbath. Yes, the Sabbath is about stopping, but there are also so many things to DO on the Sabbath. We’ll get super practical with some tricks, tips, and tools for every stage of life and personality.
We mentioned our Holy Land tour. If you are interested in our 2022 Holy Land tour on March 28th – April 7th (2022) you can get all the information and sign up to register here: https://jeffmaness.com/israel2022/ There are only 40 spots available so sign up now! It is a spiritual investment. Your faith will never be the same!
What is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath is a command, rooted in the rhythm of creation, given to us by God for our good. It is a reminder of who we are in God and where we came from. That we were rescued from our slavery to sin and now we are free! 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 our ordinary work and activity, both paid and unpaid, in order to honor Him and to receive His rest, renewal, and refreshing.
When do we practice it?
From 6:30 PM on Friday to 6:30 PM on Saturday. A full 24 hours where we stop our ordinary work, both paid and unpaid, and we rest!
What do we stop?
Jeff’s Stop List:
- No schedule (I let the day come to me)
- No working out
- No social media
- No email
- No computer
- No news
- No lists (If I get an idea, if it’s a God idea, He will remind me again)
- No housework (dishes, cleaning, laundry, yardwork, etc.)
- No buying or selling (or talking about what we want to buy)
- No planning
- No leadership podcasts or books
- Limited TV and movies (Try to keep it to uplifting stuff)
- Limited Google and fact finding (Only what is necessary)
- Limited phone (I activate the “do not disturb” on my phone and only respond to texts as needed)
Sabrina’s Stop List:
- NO bathing 😂
- NO social media
- NO interaction with people other than my household
- NO cleaning
- NO cooking
- NO shopping/buying
- NO planning
- NO learning
- 6 days a week I give, serve, solve, learn, talk, grow…Sabbath to me is a way to disconnect from all God has called me to do. It’s a way to rest in Him and do only things that are restful to me.
Resources Mentioned:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Take A Day Off by Robert Morris
Sabbath Resistance by Walter Bruggeman
Subversive Sabbath by AJ Swoboda
The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Tim Lucas sermon on the Sabbath from Liquid Church: https://liquidchurch.com/messages/breathing-room-series/Take-the-Day-Off
Sabbath Series at Bridgetown Church with John Mark Comer: https://bridgetown.church/series/sabbath/
Scriptures Used:
Exodus 20:8-11 8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
Exodus 31:17 17 It (The Sabbath) is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.
Deuteronomy 5:15 12 15 Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to rest (to stop) on the Sabbath day.
Exodus 16:29 29 They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply (of manna) on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. (Rest) Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day.
Romans 14:5-8 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.