Foundations Week 8, Day 5

Scripture Read:  Exodus 30 - 31
Title: The Importance of Rest
H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed."  Ex. 31:17

(E) Explain:   The people of Israel were commanded to take a Sabbath day, and this day shall be observed above all the days.  The Sabbath was created to show people throughout the generations that God has set Israel apart from all nations.  The Sabbath was a holy day and was designed to be a day of rest and no work should be done on this day.  God gave strict and specific instructions to the people of Israel that they must keep.  Disobedience resulted in death.  Rest was very important, so much so that even God rested and was refreshed on the seventh day.  

(A) Application: Rest is something that I have great difficulty doing.  I think many Americans struggle with getting the proper rest that they need to refresh themselves.  Some think that if you take the time to rest or relax that you are being lazy and unproductive. This couldn't be further fro the truth.  I actually believe that in order to be productive in life that rest must be a key component.  I do believe rest is very important since God gave us the command to rest.  Rest may come hard for me, but I know it is important.  If God, the Creator of ALL things, needed to take a break to refresh, then I am certain I must rest from the menial, earthly toils and struggles i face everyday.

(R) Respond:  LORD, help me to rest.   Help me to understand that you have given me the gift of rest and I need to utilize this gift more often.  Help me to step back from everyday life and learn to rest in you.