There are two primary benefits to honoring the Sabbath: Spiritual rejuvenation from drawing near to God; and Physical rejuvenation from resting our bodies.
Although we have been set free from the law of the Old Testament, choosing to honor the Sabbath can do a great deal for our physical health, internal peace, and overall well-being. That's why Jesus said, "People were not made for the good of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for the good of the people" (Mark 2:27, Century English Version).
Could you benefit from reserving one day (or half a day) just for you?
There's no doubt about it: God values a strong work ethic and hard work. Proverbs 20:13 reads, "If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat" (New Living Translation). Proverbs 14:23 also teaches, "All hard work pays off. But if all you do is talk, you will be poor" (New International Readers Version). However, sometimes we can forget that working hard does not mean forfeiting rest.
We must sow rest to offset stress.
Do you remember Epaphroditus, the tireless worker sent by the Philippian church to assist Paul in prison (Philippians 2:25-30)? Epaphroditus almost died — working himself to death. Paul stated to the Philippians "[Epaphroditus] almost died for the work of Christ. He put his life in danger to make up for the help you couldn't give me" (Philippians 2:30, New International Readers Version).
Epaphroditus' dedication teaches us that working hard is important — but so is "working smart." We must listen to our bodies when they ask for rest. After all, wasn't the Sabbath made for our benefit?
Written by: Marsha DuCille - Publisher/Editorial Director
publisher @ calledmagazine.com
