SHABBAT SHALOM

“Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings,” Leviticus 23:3 NKJV. In Mark 2:27, Jesus gives us further understanding: “Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'” Rather than approaching the Day of Rest as another set of rules that we must keep, we can approach it as a “Thanks, I needed that” pause in our weekly routine. While Shabbat is practiced in many different ways, what is most important that it is a time of physical and mental resting from “our own works” by intentional remembrance of God’s promises and commands, reflection on personal spirituality, and strengthening relationships with our family, friends, and others. These are the things that bring us God’s peace and rest. LORD, You have called us to this SABBATH REST. Help me embrace it as both Your command and a special gift.