In this episode, we finish part 2 of our Sabbath revisited 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. This is a re-release of Episode 011.
If you missed Part 1 of the re-series, you can go back and listen to that here, Episode 026.
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.
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!”