During the long, harsh Alaskan winter, Denali National Park rangers rely on teams of sled dogs to help them patrol the vast, snowy wilderness. Dogsled patrols can last up to 6 weeks, and the dogs are always raring to go.
Alaskan huskies live to run and pull. The only problem is that the furry bundles of energy don’t know when to stop. Park rangers have to make them halt and rest. Otherwise, they’d run themselves ragged until they collapse from exhaustion—even to the point of death.
Sled dogs can remind us of our need to take a break. All of us have times when we need to stop, rest, and recharge. The biblical word for these actions is “Sabbath.” Jesus explained that the Sabbath “was made to meet the needs of people” and not just to be an oppressive religious rule to follow (Mark 2:27). He also, speaking of Himself, said, “The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” (Mark 2:28).
The first pages of Scripture also seem to indicate that the Sabbath was meant to remind us of something even more important than humanity’s need for rest. After God made the world, He “rested” on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). This doesn’t mean that God was tired and needed a day off. Theologians tell us that God rested by dwelling in, enjoying, and ruling over the kingdom He had completed.
So let’s practice Sabbath by stopping to enjoy that much-needed rest. As we do, let’s also remember all that it stands for. It’s more than taking a break; it’s a way to acknowledge the One who is ultimately in charge of this world. It’s also a vital way of looking forward to the day when God will come down from heaven and once again dwell with His people on earth—just as He did when He first “rested” (Revelation 21:2-3).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 13:17–14:31
More:
Read Hebrews 4:1-11 and consider the “special rest” believers in Jesus enter into, both now and “still to come.”
Next:
What’s one way you can practice Sabbath rest? Why is it important for us to experience the rest that only Jesus can provide?
Gary Shultz on February 10, 2016 at 6:32 am
There has been several touches with this subject of late and it is good to remind ourselves that this was a key commandment. Last year I decided to be much more compliant to a Sabbath day, howbeit Sunday. I can’t say I feel any different, sometimes I don’t even think I needed the rest; however, I don’t know everything. If God has asked us to come be with Him and set aside laborious activities, I can trust that obeying Him is the best thing that can be done each week. Thanks Jeff.
Tom Felten on February 10, 2016 at 8:30 am
Gary, perhaps by simply showing your obedience to God, you’re revealing part of what it means to “rest” in Him. Thanks for your example, brother!
gagirllive on February 10, 2016 at 9:31 am
Praise God that Jesus fulfills all the requirements of the Law!…including the Sabbath. He Himself is our Sabbath, and in His presence DAILY I find my rest. As children of the new covenant we do not keep Saturday as a sabbath day, nor is Sunday the substitute. Whatever day we set aside to break from our normal work routine, the principle remains that, just as God did during creation, we should use it as a day of rest and reflection… and especially for us, the enjoyment of all that we have in Christ.
shanna33 on February 10, 2016 at 9:49 am
What a perfect comparison! As a wife and mother I often feel as if I’m running myself to death just like those sled dogs, sometimes happily continuing on, whether it is making some extra cash to help my husband support us, or just keeping up with the house work and kids homework, and also giving of myself to further Gods kingdom. It is often overwhelming when the work never seems to be done, always something else I haven’t finished yet. It is encouraging to know that not only is it okay to stop and rest (even if the work isn’t done yet), but God instructs us to rest! Our physical and mental health depends on this rest, and the ability to just enjoy life a little bit.
Mike Wittmer on February 10, 2016 at 3:47 pm
This is an encouraging reminder, Jeff. A sabbath rest means every seventh day is a holiday!