Subject: Embracing the True Spirit of the Sabbath: A Gift from God (06/01/'24) -Message

Subject: Embracing the True Spirit of the Sabbath: A Gift from God Title: The Gift of Sabbath: A New Beginning Prose: The Sabbath, a gift from God to humans, is a day to lay down all worldly burdens and embrace Exodus because God's will is fulfilled for humanity. This day marks a new beginning where God's will is accomplished on earth. The spirit of the Sabbath is consistent with the spirit of the Exodus; it is a day when we declare that we will exodus from Egypt every day in the spirit of keeping the Sabbath and will never again be slaves to anything. The Sabbath is not just a day for eating, drinking, resting, traveling, having fun, or attending chapel. It is a day when a great new beginning is observed every seven days, a new leap forward is made. It is a day to live life with the spirit of the Sabbath, to be considerate of others, and to enjoy a more blessed life in which everyone lives together, without being a slave, with the spirit of the Sabbath. The creation of heaven and earth was accomplished in seven days, reflecting the order of God's creation. Walter Brueggemann states, “Sabbath is the celebration of life beyond and outside productivity.” It is about work stoppage, withdrawal from the anxiety system of Pharaoh, and the refusal to let one’s life be defined by production and consumption. For every man to eat, drink, and enjoy the fruit of his labor is a gift from God. Jesus invites, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. The problems of the Sabbath as perceived by modern people stem from a misunderstanding of its true purpose. It is not a day to be busy with activities but a day to be still and know that He is God. The future-oriented vision for the Sabbath is a world where people truly understand its significance, observe it out of love and reverence for God, and find rest and renewal, free from life's burdens, in the presence of God. Poem: The Spirit of the Sabbath The Sabbath, a gift from God to man, A day to lay down burdens, to understand The will of God fulfilled, a holy plan, A new beginning graced by His command. A spirit of Exodus, a daily rite, From Egypt's chains, we take our flight, Never again in bondage, we unite, In Sabbath's spirit, find our guiding light. Not just for feasting, rest, or fun, But a leap forward when the day is done, A life with Sabbath's spirit, everyone, Considerate and blessed, beneath the sun. In seven days, creation's tale, God's order set, His love unveiled, A weekly rest where hearts prevail, And weary souls in peace exhale. Walter Brueggemann's wisdom clear, Beyond productivity, life is dear, Sabbath's first call is to adhere, To rest from Pharaoh's grip and fear. "Come to me," the Savior pleads, For those who labor, burdens heeds, "My yoke is easy," meets our needs, In humble hearts, His rest proceeds. "The Sabbath made for man," it's told, A gift we need, a truth of old, A declaration, brave and bold, From Egypt's grasp, we break the mold. Not just a day for chapel or cheer, But a new beginning, week to week, A life in Sabbath's spirit, dear, Where freedom, rest, and joy we seek. The future bright, a hopeful sight, A time to understand, to see the light, A day of rest, renewal's height, To reconnect with God’s pure might. Misunderstood in modern ways, The Sabbath's true intent conveys, Not busy acts, but stillness stays, In peace and rest, our hearts appraise. A vision forward, clear and grand, Where Sabbath's purpose we expand, Observed in love, not by command, In God's presence, together we stand. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 1, 2024)