Even though the construction and furnishing of the temple was sacred work, the workers could not overlook the sacred institution of the Sabbath.
The Lord said to Moses, “You yourself are to speak to the Israelites,
‘You shall surely keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, given in order that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you'” (Exodus 31.12-13).
The Sabbath is a gift to Israel, signifying that they are a separate people.
As we consider the gift of the Sabbath, here are some thoughts for us to consider.
The Sabbath is a divine gift woven into the fabric of creation. It holds a depth of blessedness that cannot be grasped merely with the intellect. It can only be understood by our inner self’s longing for communion with God.
We need to see the Sabbath as an invitation to a sacred rendezvous with the One who loves us and gave Himself for us.
Recognize that the Sabbath is not a mere day of rest. It is a sacred time when we’re invited to step away from the frenzied pace of our lives into the embrace of God’s presence.
Our modern culture may see Sunday as an obligation. However, we should view it as an invitation. God is calling us to rest and dwell in the splendor of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
We live in a world where worldly cares can consume us. God has given us one day a week to worship, reflect, and find a moment of inner stillness. It’s a day to be open to receiving God’s blessings.
Let’s be willing to detach from our material world and become more attuned to the spiritual rhythms that cradle our souls. Let’s take a day to experience the beauty of God profoundly and intimately.
Imagine a time not just of restoring the body, but the soul. Think about having your heart hushed, the noise of the world replaced by the whisper of the divine.
Consider a pause in life that allows us to draw close to God and to be refreshed from God’s presence, grow in wisdom and understanding, and reconnect with the real reason why we exist.
Do we not owe ourselves a day like this?
Our Identity
In Egypt, the Israelites were units of labor. Too often, we also find our identity in what we do. God has ordered the universe to remind us at least once a week of the truth.
Our identities are not rooted in what we do, but in the reality that we are beloved children of God.
By giving up our self-reliance and recognizing our dependence on God, we state that our real identity is in Him. It’s in our relationship with Him, not in our human efforts.
Let’s remind ourselves that God’s gift to the Sabbath is a true gift, not a mere list of external rules.
His Sabbath intends for us to embark on a transformative journey into the depths of His presence. It’s a chance to find a sanctuary of the soul and to live in the heart of God.
God invites us to rest, to be renewed, and to partake in the eternal dance of love between our great God and His creation.
There is an expression I often hear in the gym that I like: “Don’t cheat yourself.”
When we think about the Sabbath and the many benefits God has given us, ought to say to ourselves, “Don’t cheat yourself.”
Let’s embrace God’s gift of the Sabbath and His presence for all it’s worth.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 