Do you find yourself in a rhythm of working, worrying, warring, and running? Does it feel like you can’t stop, rest, or catch up because everything may fall apart on you? You are not alone. Many Christians today are experiencing this same chaotic rhythm. But Jesus has a better way. He calls us to find a rhythm of rest.
Sabbath is the Hebrew word for “rest” in English. It describes a time set aside for rest and is associated with Jewish culture. Sabbath means to cease working, or more plainly, to stop. We can understand the purpose of the Sabbath and what it means to Christians today by looking at Israel’s history.
Where Is the First Recorded Example of the Sabbath?
Ancient cultures set aside days of rest for various reasons to align with the lunar calendar or other religious beliefs. However, Israel was distinct because their Sabbath day was consecrated to the one true God. It was like a tithe of their time.
The Sabbath is first mentioned in Genesis 2:2, which tells the creation story. It says that after God worked six days creating everything, He rested on the seventh day.
The next mention of the Sabbath is in Exodus 16:22-30. After being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. God provided manna every morning but instructed them to set aside the double portion on the sixth day so that they could rest on the seventh. God was teaching them the importance of rest.
When God gave Moses His commandments at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 23:12), He instructed Israel to observe the Sabbath as part of the Ten Commandments. So, part of Israel’s life rhythm as a nation was to observe the Sabbath on specific days, weeks, and years.
What Is the Purpose of the Sabbath?
In Exodus 31:16-17, God told Moses the purpose of the Sabbath. He gave two important reasons that He wanted Israel to observe the Sabbath.
- To remember how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
- To remember Creation, when God rested on the seventh day.
The Sabbath Under the Old Covenant
Since the Sabbath was designed for rest and reflection, God gave the Israelites parameters for what they were allowed to do on that day. They were not allowed to do any work on the Sabbath. This included gathering food, kindling a fire, selling items, or bearing large burdens.
Exodus 20:9-10 lays out the command for rest on the Sabbath:
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.”
The Sabbath Under the New Covenant
In the New Testament, the Pharisees abused their authority by adding to the Old Testament laws regarding the Sabbath. They were furious in John 5:10 when Jesus told a lame man to pick up his bed and walk. They sought to get Him into trouble when He healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:2) or allowed His disciples to pick grain when they were hungry (Matthew 12:1-8).
When the Pharisees complained and plotted against Him, Jesus declared Himself Lord of the Sabbath, signifying His power and authority over all the laws in the Old Covenant.
- “For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”—Matthew 12:8
Jesus never rejected observing the Sabbath. He rejected the narrow-minded interpretations and excessive additions to God’s original command. In Mark 2:27, He revealed that God created the Sabbath for man as an opportunity to rest.
- “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’”—Mark 2:27
Under the New Covenant, the Sabbath reminds us of our human limitations. It offers us a chance to rest, worship, and refocus our hearts on how great our God is.
The Purpose of the Sabbath for Christians Today
Should Christians observe the Sabbath in the same way as the Israelites? No. Christians today are no longer under the Law and do not have to observe the Sabbath as instructed in the Law of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17). Our Sabbath rest is not found in a specific day but rather in a specific person, the resurrected Jesus Christ.
While the Jewish Sabbath occurred from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, we can observe it on any day of the week. Our weekly Sabbath should allow time for intentional rest and doing things that refuel our souls and draw us closer to God. Practicing a weekly Sabbath and intentional rhythm of rest is an earthly foreshadowing of the rest we will experience in eternity. On this day, we look forward to the eternal rest we will experience in God’s presence.
Why Should We Practice a Rhythm of Rest?
Although Christians today do not observe the Sabbath like ancient Israel, we can still follow God’s example in Genesis 2:2 and Exodus 31:12-17. Like the ancient Israelites, practicing a form of Sabbath helps us to maintain rhythm and balance in our lives.
What Could a Sabbath Day Look Like?
How we practice a Sabbath day may differ for each of us based on our life stage, personality, and so much more. Regardless of the season of life you are in, you can follow God’s example of taking a Sabbath.
The Sabbath isn’t about having a void or empty day but a time of devotion to God. We fully trust that God can handle everything as we rest. This acknowledges that He is our Source and Sustainer, and we live for Him and His glory.
During a Sabbath, we can incorporate a time to:
- Remember that we are a rescued people like the Israelites. When we remember that we are saved from sin by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we can examine our hearts and humbly worship God. We can also remember that we are still living on a mission and will not be complete until Jesus returns.
- Reflect on God’s character and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives as Creator.
- Refocus our perspective and ensure Jesus is still our center and foundation. Identify and remove any idols in our lives and repent. When we spend time with Jesus, we will be prepared to go out into the world to radiate the love of God to our families, friends, and neighbors.
- Rest and recharge by spending time alone, with your people, or doing activities that fuel you.
While we rest in Him, we realize we can stop and slow down our lives. By stopping, we say to the Lord, “I trust you.”
Questions to Consider as You Explore the Purpose of the Sabbath
Resting is a form of worship. It’s an act of faith and surrender, recognizing that you cannot do everything on your own. You need time to rest and recharge. The Sabbath allows believers to reconnect with God while doing activities that refuel them. Here are a few questions to contemplate as you determine what your Sabbath rhythm will be:
- What things help you connect with God?
- What feeds your soul?
- What helps you to rest?
Remember, Jesus is our rest! Only He can offer the peace our souls long for. As you explore the purpose of the Sabbath for believers, check out this free resource to dive deeper into your faith.