When a Bible scholar visited a theological college, he was surprised to see a colleague gardening on a Sunday. For him, that activity wasn’t appropriate for the day of rest he observed, whereas his colleague found the experience of planting, sowing and digging to provide enjoyment and a bit of mental relief. Although the two men interpreted the Sabbath principle differently, they both agreed on the importance of seeking to rest each week.
In the Old Testament, God instituted a day of rest. The day was for the sake of His people, even if the Israelites didn’t always understand this. God gave clear instructions for how to celebrate the day—on the sixth day they were to gather enough food for two days so that on the Sabbath day they could enjoy “complete rest” on a day dedicated to God (Exodus 16:23).
God longed for His people to trust Him enough to rest, even if some of the Israelites at first searched for food on the Sabbath. He knew that we’d need time to turn from our work in order to regenerate our bodies, minds and souls. When we let go of our own efforts, whether paid or voluntary, we acknowledge our lives are upheld by God, not by our own labour.
God longs for us to trust Him completely—enough to put aside our work and rest in Him.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
How do you interpret God’s command to rest? How have you experienced God’s love in the rest He provides?
Creator God, even You rested from your labours after creating the world. Help me to trust You enough to stop and rest, knowing that You provide for all my needs.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The Hebrew word for manna means “what is it?” Manna looked like white flakes of frost on the ground and tasted “like wafers made with honey” (Exodus 16:14, 31). The poetic language of Psalm 78:24 tells us, “[God] rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven.” This image of manna as bread is picked up in the New Testament. In John 6, the people said it was “bread from heaven” (v. 31 ), then Jesus lifted this bread up to its highest level as a picture of Himself (vv. 32–33)! Christ called Himself “the bread that came down from heaven” (v. 41). Jesus said, “Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die” (vv. 49–50).
Bill Crowder
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