The Delight of Sabbath
Scripture — Isaiah 58:13-14 (NRSV)
If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath,
from pursuing your own interests on my holy day;
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the LORD honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs;
then you shall take delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of your ancestor Jacob,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Focus
We are right to avoid legalistic approaches to the Sabbath. But, at the same time, it’s clear that God wants us to experience the refreshment of weekly rest. Our bodies need it. Our souls need it. Our relationships need it. Sabbath is a gift from God, one which we need to practice and, indeed, learn to call a delight.
Devotion
It’s easy for Christians to think of the Sabbath as a legalistic burden that Jewish people are required to carry. Yet this is not how the Lord speaks of the day of rest. In Isaiah 58 God tells the people to “call the Sabbath a delight,” not a burden (58:13). Those who honor the Sabbath will also delight in the Lord, who promises the blessings of honor and an inheritance. Now that’s a different view of Sabbath than the Christian norm!
Unfortunately, throughout church history, Christians who have sought to honor the Sabbath have often turned it into a series of strict, joyless laws. I remember reading one Christian author who claimed that it was inappropriate to take a nap on the Sabbath because that wouldn’t be worshipful. Napping on the day of rest! Imagine! How scandalous!
We are right to avoid legalistic approaches to the Sabbath. But, at the same time, it’s clear that God wants us to experience the refreshment of weekly rest. Our bodies need it. Our souls need it. Our relationships need it. Once we realize that regular rest isn’t one more burden, but rather a gift of God for our well-being, then we’re free to enjoy and delight in it. Moreover, we’ll learn new ways to find joy in the Lord. As God says through Isaiah, if we “call the Sabbath a delight” then we will also “take delight in the LORD” (58:13-14).
As you consider your thoughts about and experience of the Sabbath, the following questions might help.
Reflect
How do you think and feel about the idea of Sabbath?
Do you set aside time each week for rest, for relationships, and for enjoying God’s presence?
When have you delighted in the Lord? What helps you to do this?
Act
Talk with a wise friend or your small group about how you think about and practice the Sabbath.
Pray
Gracious God, I must admit that the idea of Sabbath as a delight is uncommon to me. For so much of my life, I considered the Sabbath to be a heavy burden, one I was glad not to have to carry. But, by your grace, I have come to see how your Word commends regular rest. Sabbath is your gift to humankind… even me! Thank you!
Help me, Lord, to know how to receive this gift with freedom. It is so easy for me to turn the Sabbath into a set of binding rules, rather than a time set apart for you and the rest you want to give me. Teach me, Lord, so that I might honor you by honoring your Sabbath, doing so in a way that is grace-filled and free. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Is a Weekly Sabbath Observance Expected of Christians?.
Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...