When I was a young child, I thought that thunder and lightning were separate phenomena that just happened to occur at the same time. It was only years later that a science teacher explained to me that lightning and thunder are directly connected to one another—that the rapid heating and cooling of the air during a lightning strike causes a massive atmospheric boom which we hear as thunder. In other words, you would never have thunder if lightning didn’t strike first.
Much like lightning and thunder, the ancient Israelites couldn’t have had a Sabbath rest if manna hadn’t been provided the day before (Exodus 16:29). It’s easy to think that the Sabbath was a stand-alone event, where God simply commanded the people of Israel to refrain from working on a given day. But we often overlook the fact that the first Sabbath observed by the people of Israel occurred a day after manna fell from heaven to feed them—a form of providence so surprising and mysterious that they would call it “What is it?” food (Exodus 16:15).
This was no coincidence. In fact, the whole reason Israel could rest from their work was because God is the One who faithfully provided for their needs: “They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord ’s gift to you” (Exodus 16:29). Their ability to rest comes directly from God’s willingness to provide. As Moses said, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat” (Exodus 16:15).
So often I have a very shallow conception of rest, thinking all it means is to take some time off from work. But the whole reason I can rest in the first place is because of God’s provision. His faithfulness makes my rest possible. So when resting, I shouldn’t just stop working, I should start giving thanks—praising the One who provides for us!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 1:26-56
More:
Read Matthew 11:28-30 to see the ultimate Sabbath, and how we can fully rest in Jesus because of all that He’s accomplished.
Next:
What does it mean for you to rest? How does God’s provision in your life make rest possible?
Gary Shultz on June 7, 2017 at 5:40 am
Hi Peter: A new curve to the day of rest? Good insight. I personally have been trying to do a little better with the day of rest principle. It is true; however, that provision allows us the day, we should be thankful. I also never thought about the “you must each stay in your place” part of that. That will give me something to ponder. I guess it could revolve around your question part of “What does to mean for you to rest?” That will vary widely, and I think it will depend on how we view God and what He said. Command #4 of the Ten Commandments, with just that, it brings importance to the child of God. I do believe we have way over run God’s intentions for the day of rest. A day when we can admire His provision, His care for us in the provision, but also in the relationship. A day to step away from the regular week’s activities and give thanks to God and rest the body. Thanks Peter
Tom Felten on June 7, 2017 at 8:36 am
Peter, I was talking with some friends about the reality that so often I try to “sit in God’s chair” instead of resting in His providence and provision. Thanks for the reminder that by resting physically, I’m reflecting the spiritual rest I can experience in Jesus of who He is and what He’s done. He alone is God.
street on June 7, 2017 at 8:55 am
thank you for this insight. i don’t think it’s a new spin or curve, but the coming to the realization of what a great gift God has given mankind. the rest started the day before with a double blessing so the the sabbath could be enjoyed completely. i understood we could work on the sabbath like heal and remove people and animals from harms way, but i also knew there was more to it than just stopping work. it seems to me the cross comes first as a special double blessing so the Sabbath could be completely enjoyed. no more i have to work to please God, He is already pleased and delights in me. the cross and resurrection validates my thinking He delights in me. the cross washes away the sin that stood in the way. brought close to God.
envirotact on June 7, 2017 at 10:27 am
We are supposed to enter into His rest EVERY day, not just one day a week. Hebrews – all of chapter 4.
Monica Brands on June 7, 2017 at 11:02 am
Thanks for pointing us to this text, envirotact – such a powerful chapter. “God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today” (Hebrews 4:7). I find focusing on this one day a week is helpful for me because it reminds me how hard it is sometimes to “let go” of my own plans, but it’s more important to make this a daily lifestyle.
Monica Brands on June 7, 2017 at 10:57 am
I love this, Peter, thank you so much for this reminder. I recall a teacher of mine saying that the heart of the sabbath commandment is not merely about limiting activity, but about not finding/seeking our security in our own efforts. I find that perspective so helpful – it’s not about legalistically saying don’t do this or that on a certain day, but it’s a strong challenge to me – can I let go of my own agenda? Do I believe God has me in His hands enough to let go?
minkjh on June 7, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Peter, your post for today reminds me of how distinctly both Law and Grace draw us to the Sabbath through scripture. God’s words as delivered to Moses called for special remembrance of holiness in light of two events of supernatural proportion: creation and deliverance from bondage. Many centuries later the Lord of the Sabbath would respond to the legalistic overtones of some when he old them the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.