A Time of Rest

As Pastor Tim takes a sabbatical, an extended Sabbath, let’s be in prayer for this to be a time of rest, revival and renewal. This Sabbatical will allow him to step away from his day-to-day responsibilities for an intentional season of rest in order to strengthen his spiritual life and renew himself for future service.

Mark 6: 31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”  Genesis 2: 2 tells us that God took a sabbatical: He did not rest because he was tired but to be an example to us.  “On the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day” Even scientists say that “our bodies are genetically wired to require one day out of every seven for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration in order to perform at our highest potential.”

Most of us probably need to be reminded of remembering the Sabbath - one of the ten commandments.  Exodus 20: 8, “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 or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.  For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”  Remember the work has been done.  Just as a farmer lets the land rest every seven years.  Why?  To refresh it.  

When we honor the Sabbath we are saying, "I trust You, God."  I trust You with my time that I am setting aside for You!  I trust You to take care of whatever is going on while I rest with You. The Sabbath is a beautiful gift given to us for a chance to rest, an opportunity to trust and a time to experience God's faithfulness.  God knew we would need this to prevent burnout.  

I leave you and Pastor Tim with Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”