Exodus 20:8-9 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male servant or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”
The subject of taking one day off in seven and dedicating it to God is often mentioned in the Bible. The work six/rest on the seventh is God’s plan not based on any astronomical or solar cycle. It is God’s decision alone. He knows what is best for a man or woman since He created them. But our body chemistry seems to confirm the benefit of resting one in seven.
Principle: Take time off from work at least one day a week.
The current world trend is to rest and recreate two days instead of one and some would prefer three. A thoughtful reading of this verse tells us that it is not just about resting on the seventh day, but it is about working the other six days. God is a worker and He gives us work to do.
To take a definable break from a work routine has major benefits for mental and physical health and it is good for the community also. While in Israel, I noticed all businesses in the Jewish area closed at sundown on Friday and a Sabbath was enjoyed by everyone. Hotels kept running with Arab employees.
The sabbath preceded the law — God did it on the 7th day of creation. If we take advantage of a sabbath it may give us time to be thankful, allow space to reflect, give us an opportunity to be still and know that God is God, and spend more time with friends and family. It is not legal; it is up to you. Some businesspeople decide not to do work for pay, focus on the Scripture, journal, don’t go into their office, or cease from doing anything that appears on their to-do-list.
Discussion:
1. What is your view of working seven days a week?
2. If you are doing that, how is it working out for you?
3. What would be a first step in practicing a day of rest every seventh day?
