cape town

Exodus 20 v 6 For in six days the Lord made heaven and 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.

 

In Genesis the Sabbath day seems to merge with the glory of the Garden of God. This was a place of great happiness, joy and perfection. We are therefore entitled to think of the Sabbath Day as pointing forward to that great eternal Sabbath, or rest of soul and spirit that all believers will someday enjoy.

 

But more than that, the strong emphasis on not working must also reflect something we must take seriously. What is it? It is the idea that we can do nothing by way of our own efforts to merit that Sabbath. It is God who gives us that Sabbath rest. In fact He does so ahead of time when we put our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you remember our Lord’s words in Matthew 11:28? “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”.

 

Jesus was referring to the rest of the soul we all yearn for, and many of us seek for it in the world of religion. But you won’t find it there, is the implication of Jesus’ words. You will find it only in Him. “Come to me”, he said.

 

So the Sabbath refers to at least three things. Firstly, to actually taking time out to rest and worship. Secondly, to a great eternal rest and joy that awaits all who trust in Christ. Thirdly, to Jesus Himself as the Saviour of our Souls and who forgives our sins and prepares us for that greater eternal rest which is our inheritance.

 

Prayer: O God. Please help me to understand this great truth that Jesus is the Sabbath my soul longs for. Amen