There will not be a traditional church gathering on July 7th, August 4th or September 1st. Instead, we will be practicing sabbath.
What is Sabbath and why is it important?
The first time we read in the Bible about Sabbath, is in Genesis, when God finished His work of creation, it says ‘so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.” Genesis 2:2-3 (NLT)
God rested, but He didn’t need it. He was modeling for us how Holy it is to rest. Later we see that Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) for His people. They were called to work and take care of things for six days of the week and rest on the seventh day. It is a Way of being. Observing the Sabbath is a way that signals us as God’s people and it shows our trust and reverence of God.
Why this is SO Important is that it teaches us to depend on God. Naturally we tend to lean on our understanding, strength and abilities, but in God’s sovereignty and wisdom, He gave us a commandment. He knows our natural tendencies can drive us into unhealthy patterns that lead to idolatry, control and independence.
The Sabbath teaches us to depend on Him. That He will provide, protect and He gives us the strength to persevere.
So, we take a risk each week to trust in God, giving Him one day of the week to continually teach us a rhythm of dependence and faith.
Observing the Sabbath is a way of life. We are called to be set apart and we are called to be different. We will reserve three separate Sundays this summer to practice what it might look like for you to take a typical sabbath (July 7, August 4, September 1). Since Sunday is a regular rhythm we observe to attend a church service, we decided to utilize that time to help you and encourage you to build that practice.
Some of you are already practicing a sabbath day and you might be thinking, ‘this doesn’t make sense, I already have sabbath rhythms in my life?’
I applaud that, keep practicing! I’d like to appeal to your commitment to Jesus. Will you help me in helping others learn how to rest in Jesus and begin a rhythm of life that will change their lives? Will you take part in helping others grow closer to God and depend on Him?
So, this isn’t just a DAY OFF of church to do whatever! Steward this time well! Take this time seriously and stumble your way through this with me. My prayer is that this risk will bless you richly and allow you to see transformation and breakthrough in your lives!
Do you still have questions about how to engage in this with us? Maybe you want to dive deeper into what sabbath looks like in your own life? Email Pastor Angel with any questions!