In the late 1800’s a large group of European pastors came to one of D. L. Moody’s Northfield Bible Conferences in Massachusetts. Following the European custom of the time, each guest put his shoes outside his room to be cleaned by the hall servants overnight. But of course, this was America and there were no hall servants.
 
Walking the dormitory halls that night, Moody saw the shoes and determined not to embarrass his brothers. He mentioned the need to some ministerial students who were there but was met with silence or pious excuses. Moody returned to the dorm, gathered up the shoes, and alone in his room, the world’s most famous evangelist at this time began to clean and polish the shoes one at a time. Only the unexpected arrival of a friend in the midst his work revealed the secret.
 
When the foreign visitors awoke in the morning and opened their doors their shoes were shined. They didn’t give a second thought as who did this.  They figured it was done by servants.  Moody told no one, but his friend told a few people, and during the rest of the conference, different men volunteered to shine the shoes in secret. Perhaps this episode is a vital insight into why God used D. L. Moody as He did. He was a man with a servant’s heart and that was the basis of his true greatness.
 
I Thessalonians 2:10 - 12
In these verses Paul writes passionately about his love and care for the people of Thessalonica.  According to the New Bible Commentary, “So many wandering religious and philosophical teachers travelled around the Roman world making what they could out of their hearers, that it was necessary for the missionaries to stress that their motives and methods were quite different from those of the less scrupulous of their rivals.”  But Paul writes to the Thessalonians that he is the real deal in his mission work.  He loves this congregation as a parent loves their children.  It is interesting to note that Paul uses the imagery of parents, or more specifically a father’s love for their children.  For some believers, the loss of family was a costly price they paid for following Jesus Christ and this was most likely the case for most believers in the church of Thessalonica and even more so with Paul and his companions.  Paul’s parental imagery and language suggests that this congregation is his new family, since many had lost their family because of their faith and now this new family will substitute for those that have been severed or broken.  
 
Paul tells his congregation that his love is deep and sacrificial.  It is the kind of love a parent has for a child.  Carrie and I love our children and we will do whatever to ensure that they are taken care of, protected, and provided for. We try to encourage and exhort them to live their lives for God and him alone. This does not mean we will do absolutely anything for our kids just because they ask.  It means that we love them so much and because of this it sometimes means using discipline or saying “No” to certain things and it is about training, teaching, encouraging, exhorting, and lovingly showing them how they can live to honor God.  It hasn’t always been easy but it was certainly necessary. We have, to the best of our ability, to help them live separate from the world and yet live in the world and this entails living a life that looks different from many of their peers. We desire for them to live their lives in ways that brings glory to God.  I hope that the life I live, although far from perfect, would serve as an example of what the Christian life can look like.  This idea is the same with the Apostle Paul.  He loves his church family with the same kind of love a father has for his children.  
 
Paul exhorts and encourages the followers of Jesus in Thessalonica to “Live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy.” Or as the ESV says, “walk in a manner worthy of God.”  Paul is calling these believers to reflect the character of God in their lives in how they live and conduct their lives, because they are committed to Him.  Notice Paul does not proceed with a list of dos and don’ts for Christian living.  He doesn’t give them a list of commands to follow and rules to keep, he simply tells them to walk in a manner worthy of God.  He didn’t elaborate on what that meant so they apparently knew what he meant.  Now, he is not telling them to walk in a manner or of God so they will be accepted by God, acceptance by God is not something that is earned.  The worthy manner is a response to God who has called them to be his children.  They are called to walk in a worthy manner not SO they will be accepted by God, but because they ARE accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.
 
Paul exhorts and encourages the Thessalonians to walk in a manner worthy of God, and as I stated already, his recipients most likely understood what he meant.  But this brings up a question for us, “How does one walk in a worthy manner before God today?”  What are some practicalsteps can we take to walk in a way that reflects the God we love, worship, and serve?  I understand Paul does not give a list of “how to walk in a worthy manner” but I feel it might be helpful to share a few practical insights I have found helpful for me in living a life that is honorable to God. 

1. Love God with your whole being (Matthew 22:34 – 38) - We are called to love God with a love that makes our heart full of joy towards Him as we realize His kindness, grace and mercy to us and it should affect the way we live our lives.  This is called living in the Spirit.  Everything we do should reflect God’s love and we should live for Him not because we must, but because we love him, and He has enabled us to live this life.  
   
   
2. Live in obedience (Colossians 2:1 – 8) - When we truly love God, we will want to live in obedience to Him.  Obedience is not salvation.  Obedience is the natural outflow of salvation.  Obedience to God should never be burdensome or difficult because God’s commandments are rooted in love.  Obedience to God should never be something we feel we NEED to do to be saved but obedience should be a natural outflow of our relationship with Jesus.  Since you believe in Jesus and He is the Lord of your life then naturally you will be obedient to the commands of the Father.
   
   
3. Love others (Matthew 22:39) - Jesus spoke of loving one another as one of the two great commandments for all believers to keep.  The word in this verse for love is agapeo which means to love dearly, to be fond of, to be well pleased, and be contented at or with a thing.  This love spoken in this verse does not refer to that emotional feeling one gets when they are around someone they are attracted to.  We are called to Agapeo, love or be fond of one another, to love one another dearly or as I would put it… find great pleasure and satisfaction in being with those you consider your Spiritual family.
   
   
4. Practice forgiveness (Matthew 6:14 – 15) - We can forgive because we have been forgiven.  If anything, it is helpful to understand that we have done far worse to God than what has ever been done to us and he extends the grace of forgiveness.  One cannot walk in fellowship with God if he refuses to forgive others. Practicing forgiveness, not only entails showing forgiveness to those who have wronged us, but also asking for forgiveness for those we have wronged, and one form of forgiveness we often overlook is in receiving forgiveness. When we ask for forgiveness and forgiveness is given, we need not to dwell on the wrong we committed, but live in the forgiveness we have received.
   
   
5. Practice Serving (John 13:1 – 7) - Jesus always put others before Himself.   We never read that He didn’t do something because He didn’t feel like it or because it didn’t help him advance in life.  He always put the needs of others before Him. As a body of believers, we should seek ways to serve one another and to serve the community.  Serving is an action and it requires movement.  Serving involves getting up and doing and it does not entail sitting and watching.  Maybe this is why so many are reluctant to serve.  Some enjoy the spectator aspect of Christianity, but  do not appreciate or value the involvement aspect.  We are all called to serve faithfully and forever.  Serving one another is one of the greatest joys of being part of God’s beautiful family.
   
   

These are JUST five action steps to take in walking in a worthy manner.  I think these five serve as great first steps to take but the walk of a believer can be much more fulfilling than just agreeing to take five steps in following Jesus.  The walk becomes deeper and more enjoyable over time as you continue to communicate with God and study and apply His Word.  May these five steps be a jumpstart to encouraging and exhorting you to live your life to bring honor and glory to God.   
 

In Matthew 12:33-35, Jesus delivers a message about the power of our words, actions, and the condition of our hearts. He draws an analogy between a tree and its fruit, emphasizing that the nature of the tree is revealed by the quality of its fruit. Jesus challenges us to examine the overflow of our hearts, for it is from our hearts that our words and actions emerge. Our speech and action, whether good or evil, serves as a reflection of the true state of our hearts.
 
Similarly, in Galatians 5:16-23, the Apostle Paul addresses the spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit. He exhorts believers to walk by the Spirit, allowing His transformative power to guide their lives. Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, highlighting the impact of our choices on our spiritual journey. Just as Jesus spoke of the tree and its fruit, Paul reminds us that our works reveal the nature of our spiritual condition.
 
My goal for today is to use Matthew 12:33 – 35 as our jumping off point but spend most of our time in Galatians 5:16- 25 as we flesh out and contrast what a life bearing bad fruit and one that bears good fruit looks like.
 
Matthew 12:33 – 35

Galatians 5:16 - 17
Vs 16: The Apostle Paul encourages believers to " let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. He emphasizes that when we live in alignment with and under the influence of the Spirit, we can resist the temptations of the flesh and sin.
 
To "let the Holy Spirit guide you" entails adjusting our lives to the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit. It means surrendering our will to His, allowing Him to direct our paths. It's important to grasp that living a Spirit-filled life is beyond our own human capability. By our very nature, we are inclined towards sinful desires—our flesh tends to dominate our actions and decisions.
 
However, through submission to Jesus Christ and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we can experience a transformative change. When we surrender our lives to Christ, the Spirit gains control, enabling us to resist the lure of fleshly desires. In essence, when we are under the influence of the Spirit, we naturally turn away from the flesh.
 
If we allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit, we will not be drawn towards living lives dominated by sinful desires. It's a call to live in constant dependence on God's Spirit, trusting Him to lead and empower us to walk in righteousness.
 
Vs 17: Within us, there rages a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. These two are inherently incompatible—they cannot peacefully coexist. It is impossible to be both filled with the Spirit and controlled by the flesh simultaneously.
 
Some may dub individuals who claim to be Spirit-filled but whose lives contradict God's will as "carnal Christians." Yet, upon careful examination of Scripture, there is no support for such a classification. The start reality is: we are either driven by the Spirit or enslaved to the desires of the flesh.


Yet, in moments of weakness and selfishness, the flesh may momentarily influence over us and it is crucial for believers to yield to the Spirit's indwelling presence. We must daily seek His guidance and empowerment through prayer. When the allure of fleshly desires intensifies, our prayers should only grow more urgent.
 
Though the flesh may persistently assail us, we must not succumb to its control. For it is the Holy Spirit who resides within us, empowering us to resist temptation and live in alignment with God's will. Without the Spirit's intervention, we are powerless to overcome the flesh's grip on our lives.
 
Galatians 5:18
The Works of the Flesh
Vs 18:  Paul begins by contrasting the Spirit-filled and flesh-controlled life.  He says, “But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.” Obligation implies one who is attached to an attendant.  Thus, if you are attached to the Spirit then you are not attached to the law.  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ then you have been released from the oppression of the law and you are now under grace, faith and love through Jesus Christ.
 
2 Corinthians 3:16 – 18
  The veil signifies separation between God and humanity.  So, when one comes faith in Jesus Christ this veil is removed, and we now have access to the Father at any time.
 
And in this we see that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one and the same.  Where the Spirit is there is freedom – Freedom from the law, guilt, sin, and death.   Since we are free in Christ we begin and continue in a process of becoming more like Christ… we are transformed into his image.  When we are transformed into his image, we become Spirit-filled (under the influence of the Spirit) and our desire is no longer for the flesh.  You will become more like Christ. If you do not have the Spirit, then you will be controlled by the flesh and it will be evident by the bad fruit you produce. 
 
Galatians 5:19 - 21
The Fruit of the Flesh
Vs 19 - 21: – Those devoid of the Holy Spirit inevitably yield fruit that reflects their allegiance to the flesh. Such individuals often exhibit one, many, or all of the following traits:

• Sexual immorality: Engaging in illicit sexual activity, including adultery, fornication, or incest, accompanied by a disregard for moral boundaries and a selfish pursuit of pleasure.
• Moral impurity and promiscuity: Living without moral restraint, prioritizing personal gratification over ethical considerations, akin to living in a state devoid of moral compass.
• Idolatry: Worshiping entities or pursuits other than God, elevating worldly desires above spiritual devotion.
• Sorcery: Delving into occult practices, often involving drug use and the manipulation of spiritual forces.
• Hostility: Embracing a demeanor marked by animosity and ill-will towards others.
• Quarreling: Engaging in contentious disputes, fostering discord and bitterness through verbal altercation or perpetual negativity.
• Jealousy: Experiencing resentment towards others due to perceived advantages or successes.
• Outbursts of anger: Succumbing to fits of intense rage, characterized by unbridled emotional outpouring.
• Selfish ambitions: Pursuing personal interests at the expense of others, often resulting in hostility and opposition.
• Dissensions: Sowing seeds of discord among groups or individuals, inciting anger and division.
• Division: Fragmenting communities based on differing beliefs or loyalties, leading to further disunity.
• Envy: Nursing ill-will towards others due to perceived advantages or successes.
• Drunkenness: Indulging in excessive alcohol consumption, resulting in impaired judgment and loss of control.
• Wild parties: Engaging in hedonistic revelry marked by unrestrained indulgence in alcohol and accompanying immoral behavior.
  
  

These traits serve as telltale signs of a life governed by the flesh rather than the Spirit. As believers, it is paramount for us to surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to produce fruit in our lives that reflects His presence and guidance.
 
Galatians 5:22 - 23
The Fruit of the Spirit
Since there is a battle going between the flesh and Spirit it is important for us to know what the Spirit-filled believer’s life is based upon.
 
Vs 22-23.  
Fruit, in its essence, embodies the manifestation or outcome of something. It serves as tangible evidence or a visible result of a particular influence or source.

1. Love (Agape): This transcendent form of love is characterized by a profound regard and affection for others, grounded in genuine appreciation and high esteem.
2. Joy: It encompasses a deep sense of gladness and happiness, reflecting a state of thriving and well-being. Joy is realized through the experience of freedom, particularly within the context of fellowship and community.
3. Peace: Amidst turmoil and conflict, peace signifies a state of exemption from rage and havoc. It entails safety from harm and embodies a tranquil assurance of salvation in Christ, fostering contentment and fearlessness in one's spiritual journey.
4. Patience: Endurance and long-suffering mark this quality, as one exhibits a deliberate slowness to anger and a willingness to endure adversity without complaint or irritation.
5. Kindness: Integral to integrity and moral goodness, kindness is demonstrated through benevolent and compassionate actions, often expressed through providing assistance or support to others.
6. Goodness: This trait reflects the upright and honorable qualities of the heart and life. It entails a consistent commitment to moral excellence, characterized by the continual pursuit of virtuous conduct.
7. Faithfulness: Those who possess faithfulness can be relied upon and trusted. They inspire confidence and demonstrate unwavering dependability in their actions and commitments.
8. Gentleness: A gentle spirit is marked by a mild and gracious disposition, expressed through gentle attitudes and behaviors towards others.
9. Self-Control: Mastery over desires and passions, particularly sensual appetites, defines self-control. It involves disciplined restraint and moderation in one's actions and responses.

 
These qualities collectively form the fruit of the Spirit, serving as evidence of a life deeply rooted in the transformative influence of God's presence.
 
Conclusion
In looking at Matthew 12:33-35 and Galatians 5:16-23, we are confronted with the truth: that our lives are defined by the fruit we bear. Just as Jesus likened the nature of a tree to the quality of its fruit, and Paul delineated between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, we are reminded that our words, actions, and attitudes reveal the condition of our hearts.
 
In this we are challenged to consider the source from which our actions originate. The works of the flesh, as outlined in Galatians 5:19-21, are indicative of a life driven by selfish desires and worldly pursuits. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit, delineated in verses 22-23, reflects the transformative power of God's presence in our lives.
 
Ultimately, our lives bear witness to the influences that define us. Whether we are led by the flesh or guided by the Spirit, our words, actions, and attitudes speak volumes about the condition of our hearts. May we continually surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to produce fruit in our lives that reflects His presence and guidance. Let us strive to bear fruit that glorifies God and testifies to His transformative work within us.

As Christians, our faith centers on Jesus Christ, whom we proclaim as our Savior. We value His redemptive work on the cross and the promise of salvation that He extends to all who believe in Him. However, in our focus on Jesus as Savior, we must not overlook another crucial aspect of His identity—His lordship. Beyond being our Savior, Jesus is also our Lord—the master, owner, and possessor of our lives. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the profound implications of Jesus' lordship, particularly as it pertains to the Sabbath, as found in Matthew 12:1-8.
 
Understanding Jesus' Lordship:
The term "Lord" echoes deeply throughout both the Old and New Testaments, carrying deep implications of authority, sovereignty, and kingship. Jesus Christ characterizes this lordship in His earthly ministry. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus surpassed human laws and traditions, revealing His divine authority over all aspects of life. Whether in His teachings, miracles, or interactions with others, Jesus displayed a sense of authority that surpassed human comprehension, signifying His sovereignty as Lord.
 
Jesus' lordship extends far beyond mere human ideas or earthly titles. It includes His divine authority over creation, humanity, and the spiritual realm. In His teachings, Jesus challenged normal standards and revealed deep truths about the nature of God's kingdom. In His miracles, He demonstrated His power over sickness, sin, and even death itself. And in His interactions with others, Jesus displayed compassion, wisdom, and humility, representing the perfect example of a servant-king. As we delve into the implications of Jesus' lordship, particularly concerning the Sabbath, we see the transformative power of His authority in our lives.
 
Mark 1:40 - 44
Lord of Cleanliness: Jesus defies the laws of cleanliness by touching and healing a leper. This act demonstrates His lordship over purity and impurity, signifying His compassion for all people, regardless of their societal status or condition.
 
Mark 2:1-12
Lord of Mercy and Forgiveness:  Jesus not only heals a paralytic but also forgives his sins—a privilege at this time reserved for God alone. Here, Jesus asserts His lordship over mercy and forgiveness, offering liberation from sin and restoration to wholeness.
 
Mark 2:13-17
Lord of Sinners: In this passage Jesus is dining with sinners, and challenging societal norms. By calling Matthew, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, Jesus asserts His lordship over sinners, extending grace and redemption to those deemed unworthy by society.
 
Mark 2:18-22
Lord of Celebration: Jesus defends His disciples' decision not to fast, emphasizing the joyous nature of His presence. He declares Himself the Lord of celebration, ushering in a new era of rejoicing in the kingdom of God.
 
Matthew 12:1-8
Lord of the Sabbath: This passage recounts a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He and His disciples encounter opposition from the religious leaders regarding the observance of the Sabbath. As Jesus and His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, they draw the anger of the Pharisees, who accuse them of breaking the Sabbath law. In response, Jesus challenges their legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing the principle of mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to religious regulations. He reminds them of David's actions when he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, demonstrating that human need and the principles of mercy take precedence over strict observance of religious rituals.
 
Furthermore, in this passage, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, provoking further controversy among the Pharisees. Despite their scrutiny, Jesus boldly proclaims His authority as the Lord of the Sabbath, declaring that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burdensome legalistic requirement. Through these encounters, Jesus challenges conventional religious practices and reveals the true essence of the Sabbath—a day of rest, renewal, and restoration. Matthew 12:1-12 serves as a profound reminder of Jesus' lordship and His compassionate concern for the well-being of humanity, which surpasses the legalistic interpretations of religious laws.
 
Understanding the Sabbath:
I spoke on this last week and want to remind you that the Sabbath, was instituted by God as a day of rest and worship and holds significance in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. It serves as a weekly reminder of God's provision, His sovereignty, and His call to rest in Him.

1. Sabbath as Rest: The Sabbath is not merely an ending of labor but a sacred time of rest and renewal. It invites us to pause from our busyness, to reflect on God's goodness, and to find rejuvenation in His presence.
   
   
2. Sabbath as Worship: On the Sabbath, we gather as a community of believers to worship God, to offer Him our praise and adoration. It is a time of spiritual nourishment, as we engage in prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with one another.
   
   
3. Sabbath as Reflection: The Sabbath also provides an opportunity for contemplation and spiritual growth. It prompts us to examine our hearts, to repent of our sins, and to realign our lives with God's purposes.

 
So, in this account Jesus defends their actions by declaring Himself the Lord of the Sabbath, revealing His authority over religious rituals and the true essence of Sabbath rest.
 
 
Implications of Jesus' Lordship:
Recognizing Jesus as Lord of all demands a radical reorientation of our lives. It requires us to acknowledge that he is central in every aspect of our being—our identity, actions, and priorities.

1. Jesus is Central to Who I Am: When we declare Jesus as Lord, we acknowledge His lordship over our identity. No longer defined by our past or accomplishments, we find our true identity in Christ, as His beloved children.
   
2. Jesus is Central to What I Do: Surrendering to Jesus' lordship means aligning our actions with His will. Every decision, every endeavor, finds its purpose and meaning in serving the kingdom of God and glorifying His name.
   
3. Jesus is Central to What I Value: Submitting our priorities to his lordship means placing Him at the forefront of our lives, decisions, and actions. This involves prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else, seeking to understand His teachings, and striving to live according to His example of love, compassion, and forgiveness. When Jesus is central to our priorities, we align our goals and ambitions with His kingdom, finding fulfillment in serving others and spreading His message of hope and redemption.

Conclusion
As we contemplate the lordship of Jesus Christ and the significance of Sabbath rest, let us respond with wholehearted surrender and obedience. May we embrace Jesus as both Savior and Lord of our lives, allowing His authority to consume every aspect of our being. We can do this by giving up our perception of control and finding rest in His sovereignty, and grace, as we discover true freedom, joy, and fulfillment in Him.
 
We are reminded that Jesus is not merely a Savior who extends forgiveness and salvation but also our Lord who reigns with authority and sovereignty. As we journey through life's complexities and challenges, let us continually acknowledge His lordship in all things. From the mundane tasks of daily life to the decisions that shape our present and futures, may we submit ourselves wholly to His will, recognizing His supreme authority over every aspect of our lives.
 
As we consider the significance of the Sabbath and our observance of it, let us approach this sacred time with reverence and gratitude. In the rhythm of rest and renewal that the Sabbath offers, may we find comfort in the presence of our Lord, experiencing His peace and restoration. Let us use this time not only to recharge our physical bodies but also to rejuvenate our spirits, drawing closer to God and embracing His purposes for our lives.
 
As we close, let us commit ourselves to living in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, finding fulfillment and joy in surrendering to His will. May we continually seek His presence, His guidance, and His grace, knowing that in Him, we find the fullness of life.

There are twenty-four hours, 1440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds in a day.  What we do with this time varies from person to person.  Some spend much of their time working, going to school, caring for the children, housework, volunteering or playing golf.  For some of us there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in a day to accomplish all that we need to accomplish. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with everything I must do, but to be honest working and staying busy seems to come naturally for me.  Author Stephen Covey writes in his book FIRST THINGS FIRST, “People expect us to be busy and over worked.  It has become a status symbol in our society – if we’re busy, we’re important; if we are not busy then we are embarrassed to admit it.  Busyness is where we get our security.  It’s validating, popular and pleasing.  It’s also a good excuse for not dealing with the first things in our lives.”  
  
Don’t get the wrong idea about all busyness being bad, in fact work is essential and work is good.  I thank God for the work I am blessed to do.  Because of work I can be one of the providers for my family and I can fulfill my God-given call.  Work is a blessing from God.  God established work.  He ordained it in Eden when he placed the man in the garden to care for, maintain and inhabit it.  I believe work was created to be pleasant, joyful, and fulfilling.  The problem is when sin entered the picture.
 
Rest on the other hand is another issue altogether.  Preaching a message about rest is very difficult for me.  Although I am better than I used to be, rest is something that I have a hard time doing.  Unfortunately, some of you may be like me and rest does not come very easy… I believe we don’t rest because we do not value it or we tell ourselves rest is a bad thing.  Did you know rest is one of the key themes of the Bible?  Genesis begins with rest, the Psalmists write about rest, and Jesus talks about entering his rest.  Rest, like work, is a gift from God.  

Genesis 2
Q:  Why do we need rest?  A: Because God modeled rest for us. 
Q: What is rest?  Is it lying around lazily and doing nothing or is there more to it?  
 
Verses 1, 2:  On the seventh day God’s work was finished.  It was complete.  Everything He set out to do was finished and then He rested.  There is no implication that God dropped everything and went into cruise mode.  The word rested is translated as “ceased” in some versions and the Hebrew word is “shabbat” which is where we get the word Sabbath.  It is interesting that the rest God took was not out exhaustion because he was tired, but it was a ceasing or finishing or completing his work of creation.  On the seventh day God had Sabbath.  This means not simply ceasing work to pick it up again, but being satisfied with what He had done and considered these things complete and 'moving on.  So, if God rested, shouldn’t we?  God is described as resting on the seventh day, but the narrator clearly implies that humanity, who is made in the divine image, is expected to copy its Creator.
 
Sabbath – We read about the Sabbath throughout the Old and New Testament.  Sabbath simply means to stop from ordinary work, from your normal activity.  It does not mean to stop all things and lay around (however for some people this may be the case) Exodus 20:8 – 11 gives specifics about the day of Sabbath.  

1. Remember the Sabbath.  Keep it in your mind, ponder it and observe it. 
2. Keep it holy.  In Genesis 2:3 God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.  The word holy means to set apart.  The Sabbath is a distinct day (unlike the rest of the week) set aside for rest.  If God blessed this day, then this should tell us rest is important.
3. The Sabbath is the day that you rest from your normal work.  Sabbath is not simply inactivity. Instead of ‘producing’ (working and labor) it is a time to consume and enjoy what you’ve produced.

When God rested on the seventh day and set it aside, He did not intend to turn Sabbath-keeping into an oppressive rule (which unfortunately is what it became).   The Sabbath was intended to give true freedom, freedom from turning work into tyranny and freedom to enjoy fellowship with God, our neighbors, and our loved ones.  In short, the Sabbath wasn’t intended to be a burden but was intended to relieve us from burden.
 
Rest:  A Biblical Perspective
So, what does rest look like?  We need look no further than the Bible.  Before we start, I should note there is clearly a distinction between resting and laziness.  The author of Proverbs writes negatively about the person who is lazy and does not work.  In fact, the Bible never talks positively about laziness.  Laziness and rest are clearly two opposing ideas.  In the Psalms rest is synonymous to being still or waiting.  
 
Psalm 46:10 - This is one of my favorite passages and I think it is one of the best passages defining rest.  “Be still and know that I am God.”  The words “be still” means to cease or stop… Stop those things causing you burden… things like worry, work, frustration, anxiety, planning etc.… stop and trust God.  This could be defined as peace of mind.  Rest, have your mind at ease because God is in control.  Unfortunately for many of us this is easier said than done. 
 
Psalm 37:7 – “Be still before the Lord and wait…”  Stop!  Wait!  Do not fret (worry).
In Luke 10:38 – 42 we are introduced to sisters Mary and Martha.   These sisters had invited Jesus to their home.  When Jesus arrived, Mary sat at his feet and listened to his words.  She was literally resting at the feet of God and relaxing in His presence.  Martha, her sister, on the other hand was running around the house like a crazy person, making sure the house was clean, cooking the meal, setting the table, acting like some of you when preparing for Thanksgiving.  You know the scene everyone is sitting in the living room watching football and the workers are in the kitchen cooking the meal.  Eventually Martha had enough.  She approaches Jesus and says, “Jesus, can’t you see I am killing myself trying to get things ready and my sister, the bum, is just sitting at your feet doing nothing.  Could you please tell her to come help me?”  She thought that maybe Jesus could convince her sister to help around the house a bit.  Do you know what Jesus’ response was?  I can assure you it wasn’t what Martha wanted to hear… Luke 10:41, 42: But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” He was saying, stop being a busy body Martha, your sister has chosen what is important like spending time with me, and I will not take that blessing away from her.  Life is too short to be concerned with the little things of this world.  Spend your time on things that really matter.”  Now get this, Jesus was not saying Martha was wrong, he was just letting her know at this very moment of time I am (God himself) here with you so rest.  We’ll get to the other things (the meal) later, right now… Stop.  Wait.  Rest in the Lord.
 
Matthew 11:28 – 30:  This is one of the best-known passages regarding rest.  Jesus tells his listeners that true rest comes from him.  If you are weary, tired, stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed with life, come to Jesus and you will find rest.  We are told to put our burdens on him and when we do our souls will find rest.  This is a promise for future rest and a promise for rest today.  
 
Many are stressed, overworked, burdened and full of work-related anxiety.  Your minds are racing, your heart (spiritual and even physical) is heavy and unhealthy, and you have a hard time ceasing from work activity.  You may be thinking right now, “I wish he would hurry up and conclude because I have a ton of things I have to do today.”  My response is…Stop. Wait. Rest in Lord.
 
Sabbath Today
We are no longer living under OT rule and law.  Jesus fulfilled the law.  So, what does Sabbath look like for us today?  I believe first and foremost we should continue to take a day of rest from our usual work and activity; and it should involve worship.  Gathering today to worship is participation in Sabbath.  The point of the Sabbath is to “stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another” Resting in the presence of the Lord through worship, fellowship, prayer, and communion is how Sabbath should look.  The irony is that we don’t stop working on the Sabbath… Things still need to be done (at home and in the church).  Teaching, opening and closing buildings, meals need to be cooked, dishes washed, lawns mowed… These shouldn’t be burdens and I get that sometimes they do become burdensome and when they do, we are to cast these burdens on God and he will give the strength, joy, and rest you need to complete the task for his glory.   I conclude with this marvelous quote from author and Pastor Tim Keller who sums up what Sabbath means to us today, “Only Jesus offers you a 'finished work' to rest in. In fact, the very definition of a Christian is not just someone who admires Jesus, emulates Jesus, or obeys Jesus. A Christian is someone who "rests in his finished work" instead of your own. Remember, God was only able to rest in Gen 2:1-3 because his work was finished. A Christian is someone who knows that it would be quite all right if he or she died tonight. You've already finished your work--everything that must happen within your lifetime has happened. The rest is gravy, icing. Gravy and icing are quite tasty, of course--but not necessary.”  Because of Jesus our work is finished.  Yes, we labor and toil day after day, but our final rest is found in Jesus, and I can rest in that.