Sabbath - Exodus 20:8-11

What does it mean to “remember” the Sabbath day and “keep it holy?” Here in Exodus chapter 20, we see Moses telling the Israelites of the commandments that God had just given them. The Sabbath commandment directs the nation of Israel to remember God’s example in creation — 6 days of work and 1 day of rest. God was working directly with and through his people—the nation of Israel, and he wanted them to be holy—set apart—from other nations. He didn’t want them to adopt the practices of surrounding nations, but instead wanted them to live their lives according to his optimal instructions. He wanted his people to be set apart and dedicated to him, and likewise he want them to honor the day of rest he demonstrated and set apart for them.

PRAY: God, we praise you for your goodness and your kindness to us. We thank you for your word that shows us the example you set for rest, and for the way you worked in the nation of Israel to honor that cycle of rest. Lord, help us to remember and set apart the time of rest that you have given us, and I pray that we can find the balance in our lives that you have designed us for. In Jesus’ name, Amen.