Session #2- The Sabbath

Introduction

"You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." -St. Augustine

Last session, we discussed how Jesus invites us to live against the grain of hurry and anxiety that marks so much of our modern American life. Because we live in this default state of restlessness, we are often unaware of how our pace of life hinders our ability to truly experience and connect with God. Thankfully, there is a practice from Scripture that invites us to intentionally stop and enjoy all that God has given us, an act of worship and trust that frees us from our need for control: this is the Sabbath. 

The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew "Shabbat," and it means  to "stop" or "cease."  The Sabbath is one of the least practiced and most misunderstood disciplines found in Scripture for several reasons. First, the Sabbath is unmistakably Jewish in origin and is still primarily kept by orthodox Jews. Secondly, in the New Testament, we find the Pharisees and religious leaders abusing the Sabbath and using it as a form of legalistic self-righteousness (something that Jesus clearly takes exception with (Luke 14:1-6). And Finally, Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians that there should be no judgment on other believers concerning the observance of "New moon celebrations or Sabbath days" (Col 2:16). All of these taken together have led many Christian to conclude that the Sabbath is no longer a binding commandment for Christians. 

While there is some debate about how exactly Christians should observe Sabbath, it would be a mistake to disregard one of the Ten Commandments without carefully examining the reasoning and context behind the command. Even though Jesus took issue with how the Pharisees created and enforced Sabbath regulations, he never dismissed the wisdom of the Sabbath. In fact, we are told that Jesus regularly went to synagogue for worship on the Sabbath day (Luke 4:16). While there is much more to explore about how the Church should practice the Sabbath, our study will choose to view this day as an invitation and a gift to us, rather than simply a command for us to keep. As we receive this gift, we will see how there is wisdom and beauty in this historical practice and how it can serve as a pathway to experience the "rest" of God. 

"Sabbath is both a day and an attitude to nurture such stillness. It is both time on a calendar and a disposition of the heart. It is a day we enter, but just as much a way we see. Sabbath imparts the rest of God—actual physical, mental, spiritual rest, but also the rest of God— the things of God's nature and presence we miss in our busyness."- Mark Buchanan, The Rest of God.

What are your thoughts on the practice of the Sabbath? Have you ever heard a sermon or bible study on keeping the Sabbath? 

How do you think taking 24 hours to rest from all work would affect your overall well-being? What would be your biggest obstacles to doing this? 

Read Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:10-15 Together and Discuss  

What are the differences between the Sabbath commands in Exodus and Deuteronomy?  

Why is it significant that God rested and enjoyed all that he had made on the seventh day of creation? What would a day of resting and enjoying all the good gifts in your life look like for you? 

Why do you think the Sabbath command is connected with Israel's slavery in Egypt in Deuteronomy?  How can people become "enslaved" to their work or schedules? 

Read Mark 2:23-27 Together and Discuss 

What sticks out to you in this passage?

What does this story reveal about Jesus' understanding of the purpose of the Sabbath?

This Week's Practice: 

1. Mark out a 24-hour period (If this is too difficult to begin, start with a shorter amount of time) to rest and worship.

There are three common variations of the Sabbath.

  • The traditional Sabbath: from 20 minutes before sundown Friday night to the same time Saturday late afternoon. (This works well for people who are especially busy on Sundays with church activities or other events.)

  • The Lord's Day Sabbath: from the Sunday morning (or sometimes Saturday night) gathering, through bedtime on Sunday. (This works best for most people, as Sunday is usually the least busy, and we already set aside time to worship as a church)

  • The midweek Sabbath: any day during the week. (This works best for people with odd or sporadic work schedules and who have a midweek day off.)

2. Pick a ritual to clearly begin and end your Sabbath

 Beginning and ending with a marked moment will help you settle into rest and help you reenter the week with a restful spirit. Here are a few ideas of how to begin the Sabbath:

  • Light two candles (symbolic for the two commands in Exodus and Deuteronomy to "remember" and "observe" the Sabbath).

  • If you have a family, this is where, traditionally, the father speaks a blessing over the children and the mother. Friends could share a word of gratitude for one another.

  • Read a Psalm or sing a worship song.

  • Pray: Ask God to bring a spirit of rest over your life and lead and guide you through the next 24 hours.

  • If you begin at night, share a meal with your family or friends.

If you begin in the morning, go to church and worship. Here are a few ideas to end your Sabbath:

  • Take a slow, leisurely prayer walk around your neighborhood or nearby park. Read a psalm. Share a meal with family and friends. Share with your family, spouse, or journal about what your favorite part of Sabbath was. Offer prayers of gratitude. Feel free to be creative in establishing these rituals for your family.

3. Spend an entire day in rest and worship.

Fill your day with activities that are life-giving for your soul. Begin to distinguish between recreation and restoration. Begin to transition from entertainment (TV, social media, shopping, etc.) to activities that connect you to God and the rest he provides. Don't be legalistic in your practice of rest and worship, but make sure that you don't just spend a day bingeing on Netflix either! Monitor your cell phone usage (or if you're feeling bold, turn it off!) and try and be present to God and those around you. Be creative in how you practice this and remember that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27).