Jon continued our teaching around Sabbath this past week. He kicked off with the story of the first company that went public with a Hydrogen powered truck that quickly became worth more that Ford Motors at the time. Recently the CEO of this company was convicted of fraud. Everything about this was a fraud. And....everyone involved at the company knew it was a fraud.
The belief that we can go and go and go and not rest, is a fraud.
We are not in a good place right now. 70% of all deaths in the US are preventable. We have had record increases in suicide over the past few years. Americans work more and vacation less than anyone else. We have idolatry with work.
We are emotionally exhausted and spiritually malnourished.
The bible commands rest. Rest is beautiful and gospel centered. Rest can be a spiritual practice.
Scriptures to reference: Genesis 2: 1-3, Exodus 31:17.
Jon pointed out that God created us on the 6th day, on the 7th day, everyone rested. The very first thing we do, is rest.
Mark 2: 27-28, Matthew 11:28-30
Have we lost the ability to rest in God? Have we lost the ability to be still and soak in God's presence?
Once you honor the Sabbath, God will honor you and bring about change in your life. Others have attested to being healthier, improved prayer life, more quality family time, etc.
Deuteronomy 5: 12-15. The day of rest is not just for you. The rest is for your land and your animals, etc. Everyone needs rest. Maybe this includes your employees.
Step back and consider if you are a slave to your life, your business, your technology, etc.
We have an overabundance of everything in America. Our smart phones are the hypodermic needles of this generation.
Are you a slave to your phone? Can you be still, turn off all the external noise, and turn off the internal noise that is constantly going on in your brain?
Practical takeaways:
Put your phone away for extended periods of time.
Turn off your notifications.
Plan a family meal together with no electronics?
Sit in nature and just be still?
Pray that God shows you ways to Sabbath.
PLAN to sabbath. Do you need to do a few more things the day before Sabbath in preparation? Do you need to plan that family meal and make arrangements?
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