Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Mark 2:27-28, NLT

Growing up, my next door neighbors were Hassidic Orthodox Jews. I remember being very confused as to why everyone was so serious and generally unhappy when Friday night and Saturday would come. Sabbath in my house was about thanking God, lighting the candles, eating pizza, and enjoying a movie together. Sabbath to my friends next door was a to-do list a mile long and a lot of frowns.

I don’t think either household had Sabbath totally figured out, but I do know that we can’t find peace, rest, or salvation in a to-do list. Nor do we find it in repetitive prayer and pizza.

Jesus says that the Sabbath was made for our needs. So what do we need most in life? We need God. We need Him 24/7, and because of Christ we can have Him in us 24/7. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, because in Him we can find rest, peace, and all we need.

Joy and peace in this life come from finding that rest in God. God has intended from the beginning that we should always seek Him, not a list of requirements.

I love this quote by Mark Buchanan: “Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.”

Father, life keeps driving and pushing me to where I leave little time for rest in You. I know I can’t make it alone in this life, and I don’t want to. Help me Lord to seek You more in my daily life. Wrap Your arms around me and fill me with Your Grace so that even when the days are busy, others will see You in me.

Grab a copy of this great book: The Holy Wild: Trusting in the Character of God by Mark Buchanan

Take Action

Have you noticed yourself saying or doing things that don’t reflect God’s character? When we neglect time with God it can mean we still want things our way. Right now, wherever you are, would you take a moment to give God your full, unqualified commitment? Use your own words or this prayer:

Dear Jesus, I want you in the center of my life and commit through your power to serve and obey you. Anytime. Anywhere. At any cost. To do anything.



Tags: restoration