GENESIS 2:2-3

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

TO PONDER

We all need a rest day in today’s busy world. God did not need a rest day because he was tired from creating the sun, moon, night, day, the earth, the waters and all the living animals on earth. On the seventh day He rested so He could find satisfaction in His toil (as yesterday’s verse from Ecclesiastes instructed us to do), as His creating work was done. God provided a pattern for men and women regarding the structure of time (a seven day-week), and to give an example of the blessing of rest to us on the seventh day. 

God sanctified the seventh day because it was a gift to us for rest and replenishment, and most of all because the Sabbath is a shadow of the rest available through the person and work of Jesus Christ. 

We should be thankful and praise God daily for everything He has done for us as Christians, and for all that He provides us.  The Sabbath day however is even more special for us, as we have the opportunity to worship God and praise Him with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Additionally, we get to rest from our own toiling and avocation in this world.   

In a world where there is a push for a shorter working week and additional annual leave, how might you be able to devote some of your increased leisure time to God? 

PRAYER:Dear Lord. I thank you for providing the world with a pattern regarding the structure of time. Helping and guiding me through every seven days – by carving out segments during the week to perform the work you provide for me, giving me treasured leisure time and then gifting me with rest, replenishment and the opportunity to worship with my fellow believers on the Sabbath day. Help me to use my leisure time wisely.  Amen 

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping