Exodus: A Group StudySample

SABBATH READING

The most repeated command in Exodus is to keep the Sabbath. Yahweh tells His people: “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, Yahweh, sanctify you” (Exodus 31:13). Higher than any other law or instruction from Yahweh was the explicit command to rest. While the nations around them toiled and strived, Israel would take a whole day to cease work and rest in Yahweh’s goodness. The purpose of the weekly Sabbath was not primarily recuperation from hard labor or restoration of strength. Rather, Sabbath was an opportunity to remember what Yahweh had accomplished for His people (Deuteronomy 5:12-15), reflect on His unceasing goodness, and reorient their hearts towards His calling on their lives.

Each week, one day of reading will be focused on Sabbath. This does not mean a rest from practicing spiritual disciplines – this is not a “catch up” day for reading. Rather, this is an intentional day to reflect on God’s goodness towards you throughout the week and refocus your heart for the week to come. While observing a literal, 24 hour Sabbath is not a new covenant requirement (Colossians 2:13), Sabbath is a powerful weapon against persistent idolatry that ties your value to what you produce. When you cultivate a regular Sabbath, you are defiantly standing against a culture that ceaselessly demands all your time, energy, and resources. Ultimately, Sabbath is an opportunity to demonstrate the gospel to your family, friends, coworkers, and context. Jesus is Lord over your time, and He delights when you rest in Him. Here are some suggestions to practice Sabbath today:

• Meditate on God’s faithfulness to you this week. What stood out in the reading? What prayers were answered? How did God show up in your life or the lives of those around you?
• Plan an extended time of rest by cultivating activities that bring you closer to Jesus. If you work primarily with your head (in an office, at a computer, teaching, etc…), consider practicing Sabbath with your hands (gardening, hiking, crafting, cooking). If you work primarily with your hands (physical labor), then consider practicing Sabbath with your head (reading, writing, learning).