Sabbath Rest

What does Sabbath refer to in the Bible? It means REST (Hebrew: Shabbat) and was commanded by God at creation and included in the Ten Commandments. According to Genesis 2:2-3, “On the seventh day God finished his work… and he rested”. The Sabbath was set apart as a holy day of rest, modeled after God’s own rest.  

How was the Sabbath celebrated in the Old Testament? 

1. Rest from Work – Exodus 20:10, “You shall not do any work”.   

2. Set apart the day as holy to focus on God. 

3. Corporate Worship – God’s people gathered to hear Scripture, pray, and worship together. 

4. Joy and Delight – Isaiah 58:13 “Call the Sabbath a delight”. The Sabbath was meant to be life-giving and not a burden.  

In the New Testament, the Sabbath is presented with an emphasis on its purpose rather than strict observance. Jesus indicated in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The Sabbath is a gift, not a burden, as it exists to restore people rather than to control them. The Lord Jesus Christ invites people to REST in Him according to Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This rest is rooted in trusting God rather than striving.  

With this focus in mind, I began reading a book written by Charlie Kirk, called “Stop in the Name of God”. “The book argues that observing the biblical Sabbath—a dedicated day of rest and spiritual focus—is not an outdated religious relic but a transformational practice for modern life. Kirk presents Sabbath observance as a radical act of resistance against today’s culture of nonstop busyness, screen addiction, and relentless productivity. He believes that taking a weekly day to stop working, unplug from tech, and reconnect with God, family, and self can restore balance, deepen faith, reduce anxiety, and strengthen relationships”. 

When I first read this idea of resting from “nonstop busyness, screen addiction, and relentless productivity” in Charlie’s book, I knew it was an answer to prayer for direction. It would be a much-needed shift from the way I’ve been living. As a Type A personality, I am driven to achieve and to fill every minute, often to avoid feeling guilty. This is where I struggle most. It leaves me exhausted, and I find that my sense of worth easily becomes tied to what I accomplish rather than what God expects of me.   

Instead, I want to use this time to focus on God … on what He has done in my life and what He continues to do. I’m reminded of Micah 6:8, that the Lord requires me “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him”. Nowhere does it say that God is pleased when I “perform”. In fact, He is not honored when I neglect time with Him because of my endless to-do lists. 

Change is never easy, but by God’s grace and with His strength, I trust that I can live in a way that honors Him. Lord, help me to walk worthy until I look upon Your face!