Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of each week? Are you seeking a way to renew your body, mind, and spirit while deepening your relationship with God?
The answer to these questions lies in the ancient practice of keeping the Sabbath. Plus, it’s in the ten commandments!
Today we will explore the biblical foundation of Sabbath observance and provide a step-by-step guide on how to keep the Sabbath according to the Bible.
Short Summary
- Understand the purpose of the Sabbath and observe rest to honor God’s deliverance.
- Strengthen your relationship with God by engaging in worship, fellowship, prayer & meditation.
- Create a peaceful atmosphere for meaningful connection through rest & blessings.
Understanding the Purpose of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, observed every seventh day from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, as instituted by God and the Ten Commandments. It is a day to pause our daily routines, allowing us to rest, reflect, and strengthen our relationship with our Creator.
Exodus 20:8 ESV reminds us of our duty during the Sabbath day.
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”
The purpose of the Sabbath is threefold: to commemorate the world’s creation, remember God’s deliverance of His people, and deepen our connection with Him.
Stop and reflect on this day to remember its purpose and intent for you to rest.
Creation and Rest
The origin of the Sabbath can be traced back to creation itself when God finished the six days of His work and rested on the seventh day. He then blessed and sanctified the seventh day as the Sabbath, setting it apart from the other six days of the week.
Genesis 2:3 ESV tells us of this.
“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
This act of rest by which God rested and created serves as a powerful example for us to follow, emphasizing the importance of taking one day out of the week for rest and physical and spiritual renewal. By observing the Sabbath, we acknowledge and celebrate God’s creative power and the sanctity of His rest.
Remembering God’s Deliverance of Israelites from Slavery
The Sabbath is also a day of holy remembrance, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This association between the Sabbath and God’s salvation highlights the importance of seven days of rest and reflection and the spiritual liberation and redemption in Jesus Christ.
When observing the Sabbath, we celebrate the freedom God has granted us through His grace and honor His act of deliverance.
Strengthening Our Relationship with God
Lastly, the Sabbath is dedicated to deepening our relationship with God. It is a blessing of time from God that allows us to focus on Him and our families while taking a break from work.
Exodus 31:16 ESV instructs us to not only perform the Sabbath but to make its importance known to the generations that come from us.
“Therefore, the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever.”
When we dedicate one day each week to rest and worship, we draw closer to God’s grace and strengthen our connection. This day of rest serves as a reminder of the salvation provided by Jesus Christ, a gift from God that cannot be earned through labor.
Preparing for the Sabbath
Proper preparation is essential to benefit from the Sabbath fully. It includes planning, completing work and errands, and setting a peaceful atmosphere.
When taking these steps, we ensure that we can then spend time to truly rest and focus on spiritual matters without distractions or interruptions.
Let’s explore each of these aspects in more detail. I have to coach myself through these steps because I often get caught up in the rat race of how much I can complete and check off my to-do list weekly.
Planning Ahead
First, planning is crucial to make sure you can fully rest and focus on spiritual matters during the Sabbath. It includes organizing and preparing for the Sabbath on the first day of the week preceding it, known as the Preparation Day.
When completing necessary tasks and errands ahead of time, you can ensure that your Sabbath will be free from distractions, allowing you to engage in worship and fellowship activities fully.
Completing Work and Errands
Second, to properly observe the Sabbath, it’s crucial to complete all work and errands before the Sabbath begins. It includes finishing any tasks related to your job, household chores, and personal responsibilities.
When taking care of these obligations ahead of time, you can rest on the Sabbath and focus on your relationship with God without the distractions of unfinished tasks or looming deadlines. I still have to preach this to myself.
Setting a Peaceful Atmosphere
Finally, creating a peaceful atmosphere is essential for a meaningful Sabbath experience. You can achieve this by turning off electronics (phone, tv, computer), creating a quiet space for prayer and meditation, and setting the stage for deep contemplation and reflection.
You have to establish a serene, quiet environment where you can focus on your relationship with God and your family, allowing you to appreciate the Sabbath’s gifts fully.
Observing Rest and Avoiding Work
During the Sabbath, it’s essential to observe rest and avoid work as commanded in the Bible (and the Ten Commandments). It includes avoiding hard work associated with earning income or providing for oneself.
It’s also essential to ensure that others can rest on the Sabbath by refraining from activities that would cause them to work. As much as I love doing this, I also have to refrain from handing my husband a household chore list for yard maintenance.
Let’s discuss the various aspects of observing rest and avoiding work during the Sabbath.
Personal Rest
Taking time for personal rest during the Sabbath is crucial to honor and worship God and to gain spiritual strength (and physical, too!). You can achieve it by dedicating time to prayer and meditation, studying scripture, reflecting on God’s love and grace, spending time in nature, and engaging in acts of service.
By prioritizing personal rest, we can deepen our connection with God and rejuvenate our body, mind, and spirit. Who doesn’t love the command of rest from our Savior? He knows too well that we need a good break from the hustle and bustle of life.
Ensuring Others’ Rest
It’s also essential to ensure that others can rest during the Sabbath, as this fosters a sense of solidarity and respect for one another. To achieve this, we should avoid working, refrain from undertaking unnecessary errands, and create a peaceful atmosphere for others to rest and worship.
We can also encourage others to participate in activities that promote rest, such as attending services, connecting with fellow believers, and spending time in nature. Implement this in your household to ensure everyone can enjoy and fully participate in the Sabbath.
Balancing Ministry and Rest
Finding the right balance between ministry and rest is essential to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath. While engaging in worship and fellowship activities are crucial, we must also take time for personal rest and rejuvenation.
You can achieve it by participating in acts of service, prayer, and meditation from the joy of your household. Take a much-needed break from pouring yourself out to others and enjoy the peace to recenter yourself.
Engaging in Worship and Fellowship
Worship and fellowship are essential aspects of Sabbath observance, as they allow us to unite as a community to honor and learn more about our faith. You can do this by attending services, connecting with fellow believers, and participating in acts of kindness.
Acts 2:42 ESV calls us to fellowship as believers in Christ.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Let’s explore each of these aspects in more detail.
Attending Services
Attending church services during the Sabbath is when we worship, join a Bible study, fellowship, and receive guidance on following God’s will. It’s a relaxed setting where we are getting poured into and can relax where we are comfortable.
Participating in these activities can grow our faith and deepen our relationship with God.
Connecting with Fellow Believers
Connecting with fellow believers during the Sabbath is essential for strengthening one another and remembering all that God has accomplished for us. We can offer encouragement, support, and love by spending time with others who share our beliefs.
This sense of community is vital for our spiritual growth! I just recently joined a bible study group for young adults, and it’s amazing what other fellow Christians will impact you with.
Participating in Acts of Service
Engaging in acts of service during the Sabbath allows us to show reverence as God’s people and uphold our beliefs by helping and aiding others. Acts of service can include volunteering, like offering our time and talents to those in need, such as the elderly, the sick, or those with limited resources.
Mark 10:45 ESV tells us that even the Almighty God served those as His mission and purpose.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When volunteering, we can demonstrate our love and gratitude to God and serve as a reminder of the spiritual strength and eternal perspective that can be gained through keeping the Sabbath.
Focusing on Spiritual Growth
During the Sabbath, focusing on our spiritual growth is important, as it provides a foundation for deepening our relationship with God and strengthening our Christian faith.
You can fulfill this through prayer and meditation, studying scripture, and reflecting on how God gave His love and grace.
2 Peter 3:18 ESV instructs us on our spiritual growth.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and meditation are essential during the Sabbath, as they provide an opportunity to connect with God and enter a state of rest from thoughts of temporal things. They also allow us to cherish our relationships with God and our loved ones, communicate with God, and understand His will.
By dedicating time to prayer and meditation, we can deepen our connection with God and focus on the spiritual aspects of our lives. There is power in prayer and deepening within yourself during those meditative moments.
Studying Scripture
Studying scripture during the Sabbath is crucial for understanding God’s word and strengthening our faith. It can be done by reading the Bible, attending church services, participating in Bible studies, and engaging in prayer and meditation.
Through regular scripture study, we can grow in our knowledge of God and His teachings, allowing us to understand His will for our lives better.
Reflecting on God’s Love and Grace
Contemplating God’s love and grace during the Sabbath is essential for remembering His benevolence and strengthening our bond. Reflecting on His love and grace can remind us of all the ways He loves and graces us.
He has bestowed His grace upon us, the magnitude of all His work and love for us, and the eternal perspective you can receive by keeping the Sabbath.
Focus on one thing God has shown His love through. I fixate on nature and the details he has put into each creation that comes from His hands.
Embracing Nature and God’s Creation
Spending time in nature during the Sabbath is vital for appreciating God’s creation and finding peace and tranquility. By embracing nature, we can connect with God’s creation and experience the beauty and wonder of the world around us.
Hebrews 1:3 ESV informs us that God is nature.
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Here are some ways to appreciate nature and God’s creation during the Sabbath.
Spending Time Outside
Spending time outside during the Sabbath is essential for relaxation, tranquility, and communion with nature. Activities such as walking, hiking, gardening, bird watching, and stargazing provide opportunities to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and connect with the natural world.
By dedicating time to outdoor activities, we can deepen our connection with God and His creation and find peace and rest amid our busy lives.
I go outside daily, and man, can I feel it when I don’t. I feel free and rejuvenated just by getting some sunlight and fresh air.
Appreciating the Beauty of Nature
Acknowledging the beauty of nature during the Sabbath can enable us to establish a connection with God’s creation and be reminded of His goodness. Taking time to observe the details of the environment, such as the colors of the sky, the clouds’ shapes, and the birds’ sounds, can help us appreciate the beauty of nature and connect with God’s presence in the world around us.
By taking the time to appreciate the beauty of our life and nature, we can be reminded of God’s power and grace. We can also be reminded of His presence in our life and the world around us. We can be inspired to be more mindful of our actions and conscious of our efforts.
It comes naturally to some who enjoy nature, but when you focalize it all being made from God, that’s an awakening feeling.
Practicing Gratitude for God’s Gifts
Expressing gratitude during the Sabbath is of great importance as it assists us in adjusting our outlooks to the character of reality and concentrating on the positives. It is a way to demonstrate appreciation for the blessings in our lives and draw us closer to God.
Psalm 118:24 ESV is an excellent reminder for every day.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Reflecting on the blessings in our lives and offering our thanks to God can show up in other ways. I have noticed when I thank God for small things I am not so worried or fixated on the big things that seem to go wrong.
Establishing Sabbath Traditions
Establishing Sabbath traditions can help create a sense of sacredness and routine and provide a meaningful transition from the week’s busyness to the rest and worship of the Sabbath.
Some examples of Sabbath traditions include blessing over bread, wine, and candles, singing songs, and sharing meals with family and friends.
Exodus 31:13 ESV is the Lord telling Moses His instructions for His people of Israel.
“You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.”
Let’s explore some ways to establish Sabbath traditions in your life.
Rituals and Blessings
Rituals and blessings during the Sabbath delineate the Sabbath from the remainder of the week and denote the transition from the holy day to the rest of the week.
The Havdalah ceremony, for example, marks the end of the Sabbath with the lighting of a unique candle, the recitation of a blessing, and the drinking of wine.
Other rituals and blessings can include prayer, singing, and reading from the Bible, or my personal favorite, Bible journaling.
Sharing Meals and Conversations
Having a meal during Sabbath after worship promotes a sense of unity and connection with others. It doesn’t even have to be at church. It can be as simple as sharing a simple meal or inviting others into your home for a special Sabbath dinner.
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV is what we, as followers of Christ, are to perform daily.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
By sharing meals and conversations, we can strengthen our relationships with one another and create lasting memories and traditions. What better way to love others than with great conversation and fantastic food shared amongst one another?
I continue to do this monthly with my immediate family and weekly with my family in my household.
Creating a Sense of Sacredness
Cultivating a sense of holiness during the Sabbath facilitates concentration on spiritual matters, reveres and venerates sacred objects, and venerates God. Engaging in activities such as prayer, meditation, and reflection can be beneficial in cultivating a sense of sacredness.
By incorporating these practices into our Sabbath observance, we can create a meaningful and spiritual experience creation week that sets one particular day of the week, the Sabbath, apart from the rest of the week.
Summary
In conclusion, according to the Bible, keeping the Sabbath holy is a powerful way to renew our body, mind, and spirit while deepening our relationship with God. May you find peace, rest, and renewal as you embark on this journey to keep the Sabbath holy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for the Sabbath?
The rules for the Sabbath require that all work cease, including shopping, cooking, and cleaning. In preparation, people are expected to complete tasks before sunset on Friday and then dress in their best clothes. At this time, two candles are lit, and a blessing is given to those present by the head of the family.
The Sabbath also mandates taking a break from work and spending quality time with family.
What are five ways we can make the Sabbath?
We can make the Sabbath meaningful by dedicating time for prayer, meditation, and reflection; reading scriptures or other religious texts; abstaining from unnecessary work; spending quality time with family and friends; and engaging in charity and helping those in need.
By taking intentional steps to make each day special, we can create an atmosphere of reverence that will deepen our appreciation of this special day.
What did Jesus say about keeping the Sabbath?
In His teachings, Jesus emphasized the importance of keeping the Sabbath to keep it holy (see Matthew 12:11-12). He declared that we should keep it holy and not put our ordinary concerns above our devotion to God’s rest on this last day of the week.
Through Jesus’ example, we learn that the Sabbath is a holy time to draw near to God and worship. Him with reverence and joy.
Are you allowed to cook on the Sabbath?
You cannot cook on the Sabbath according to the traditional rules of observing the day. Cooking, or bishul as it is referred to in Hebrew, is one of the 39 prohibited activities during the Sabbath and is understood to mean using heat to alter an item’s quality.
This prohibition is based on the idea that the Sabbath should be a day of rest, not a day of labor. As such, any activity that requires effort or manipulation of an item is prohibited.