What is wrong with us? We avoid those things that are given to us as a gift, even accepting they are good for us. But we seem to be attracted to the choices and patterns that are not so good for us.
Yep, I’m talking about sabbath rest as a lifestyle.
As I’ve been speaking about Sabbath Rest this month, I have made quite a few confessions. The truth is, “I’m the chief of all sinners” on this one! (See Paul’s confession in 1 Tim 1:15.) Even as prone we are to avoiding God’s gift to rest in Him, we must fight the urge not to rest and ask Jesus to help us with the discipline that will help us live a better life.
we must fight the urge not to rest
One explanation of why God might choose to rest has helped me a lot as I submit myself to the Lord for His help. God rests because He is satisfied with divine order (design of creation) and content in His established rule (He is Lord over all). We should choose to match His example, as He instructs us; see Ex 20:8-11, Ex 31:13, Lev 25:18-19, Mark 2:27, Heb 4:9-10.
God rests because He is satisfied
When we follow God’s instruction, we are choosing to demonstrate that we have put our faith in the same two things; we have put our confidence in God’s divine order and our submission to His established rule. This is putting our faith in God.
It must be said, therefore, that to not have a lifestyle of sabbath rest is then a lack of faith in God. (see Heb 4:1-2 for proof.)
Like any other sin, to miss the mark is human. It’s like we can’t help ourselves. But praise be to God He desires to help us in our weakness. I have found the answer for my struggles is to just ask Him for help!
the answer for my struggles is to just ask Him for help!
Turn to God for help and He will be there for you. This requires you to fight the urge not to rest and turn to God so that you can rest in Him. It’s not a cliché, people, it’s a biblical lifestyle.
Phil Brown rightly stated in his message, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, it’s only through Jesus that we can live the way God designed. Leave your weakness to Him.
Leave your weakness to Him
“Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” (Is 45:22)