Sabbath | Ceasing
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Hebrews 4:9-11 - 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Korn Ferry - 60% of respondents would stay connected to their work on vacation today as compared to 19% in 2021.
Hebrew 4:9-11 - 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest…
Make every effort to enter that rest…
Rest is available.
Sabbath - a literal 24-hour period in time where we cease all worry, work, and want so we might enter into rest with feasting and delight.
Rest takes Effort
Shabbat - שַׁבָּת - cease/stop
Sabbath ceasing requires preparation, invites repentance, releases anxiety, and opens the door to rest.
Ceasing Requires Preparation
Consecration - to set apart as holy to the Lord
Exodus 20:8 - 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Space
Professor Dave Alan Kopec - The human-environment relationship is symbiotic in that the environment influences our behaviors and we in turn influence the environment.
Food
Sabbath rest makes the work worth it.
Activities
Lighting the candles - the ritual of welcoming the Sabbath (remember and observe)
Blessing the children
Eating a Sabbath meal
Expressing gratitude
Singing
Worshiping with your church
Walking
Napping
Making love to your spouse
Reading, especially Scripture
Spending time alone with God
Spending time with family and friends in conversation and celebration
Ceasing Invites Repentance
Hebrews 4:11 - 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Sabbath Prayer - Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe. You are the author of love and life. You have given us the opportunity to work this past week – the privilege of serving you and your Kingdom in visible and invisible ways. For the work of our hands and heart, we thank you.
We thank you for the things we did out of duty and the things we did out of delight – for projects, demands, chores, sore muscles and acts of kindness—for all that was planned and unplanned. Lord, receive it as our gift to You.
For all that was left undone because of distraction or laziness, forgive us, Lord Jesus. For all that was left undone because we obeyed the Spirit's leading, we recognize Your handiwork and give you thanks.
Now, the Sabbath lies before us and we are ready to cross the threshold. (Someone lights the candle)
Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world.
Ceasing Releases (us from) anxiety
Sabbath Prayer cont’d - Lord Jesus, you crafted and created this sabbath day. You crown it with glory. You call it holy. Through it, you call us out of darkness into your love and light.
It is to be a day of refreshment and celebration. It is a day of devotion and delight. Set apart since the beginning of time, you alone release us from the bondage of duty and demand.
As your chosen people, we will embrace this day of Sabbath Rest.
In keeping it, we remember you as our creator, rescuer, redeemer.
Dallas Willard - God has yet to bless anybody except for where they actually are.
Ceasing opens the door to rest
Wayne Muller - “Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop—because our work is never completely done. . . . If we refuse rest until we are finished, we will never rest until we die. Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished.”
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Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community that desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out from the teaching?
Did any element of Sabbath ceasing - preparation, repentance, releasing anxiety, entering rest - stand out among the rest? If so, why?
Discuss the preparation required for you to cease all worry, work, and want and thereby enter rest (be as practical as possible).
Where do you feel the most resistance to keeping the sabbath presently? (This could be practical, emotional, or otherwise; do your best to name the resistance and consider praying God’s grace over those places.
Is there anything this group can do to help relieve the strain so you might rest?
Reach practice - in considering preparation, as best you’re able, make space to getting as close to 8 hours of sleep for the 6 nights preceding your sabbath.