Exod. 20:8 says, “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” It is the fourth of the Ten Commandments, and its purpose is to provide a day of rest each week. God rested on the seventh day, and so should we (Exod. 20:8-11).
It is a time for rejuvenation and reverence toward God. It is a reminder that ultimately we depend upon God, not our own labor.
In Deut. 5:12-15, another explanation is given: “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.”
Slaves didn’t have a day off from labor. We are free, and God invites us to rest on the Sabbath day. The commandment is not a burden; it is an opportunity to stop and take a break from worldly distractions.
When we rest, we may find that God’s peace and grace are closer to us than we realized.
May God bless your week!
