So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God…Hebrew 4:9
Encounter: Read slowly through Deut. 5:1-15, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 23, Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 43:2 – Circle, underline or begin to journal about what you see God giving to His people.
It was a cold icy morning looking over the frozen lake. The winter wonderland was beautiful but it was 9 degrees with a foot of snow and I was daydreaming. Thinking about summer with green grass and trees in all their glory and the water inviting me to hop on my paddle board. And then I remembered. This year I am going to hang Megan’s much loved hammock beside the lake because she would want me to take time and rest beside the still waters. And just then I spotted the two trees that are perfectly situated to create one of many special places I can go to observe a weekly Sabbath.
“Shabbat is the title of season 1, episode 2 of The Chosen and the Hebrew translation of the word Sabbath, which means to cease from work. But there is more to this special rhythm God wants to teach us. This concept of rest means to draw nearer to God in relationship, to trust him for provision, to learn to live in dependency upon His presence whether we are going through deep waters (Isaiah 43:2) or resting beside calm waters in a hammock (Psalm 23:2). Rest serves as a reminder that God is faithful, that He’s present right now, still providing, leading and working within and through His chosen.
In The Chosen study the authors write, “While we can rest our bodies anytime we choose, soul rest only happens in the presence of our Creator. The One who knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matt 10:30) and keeps track of our sorrows (Psalm 56:8). The One intimately aware of our unique challenges and all the ways He’s going to use them for good (Rom. 8:28). The One who loves us enough to be our rescuer – in spite of our sin and struggle- knowing it would cost Him (Rom. 5:8).
Like a hammock ready to enfold you, providing a place of rest, God embraces us through the grace and love we experience through Jesus and the ongoing encouragement we receive from Holy Spirit. Take time to thank God for the soul rest He is inviting you to experience through Jesus. Give thanks for His daily provision, thank God for the strength to endure and overcome challenging circumstances and ask Jesus to teach you more and more how to rest in His presence.
You will find in His presence, there is fullness of joy and a hammock for your soul.
Peace & Rest,
Pastor Tammy
Reflect: After watching Episode 2, think about how you can not only set aside time for a weekly Sabbath but what do you need to create spaces and places to reflect on God’s provision, peace and faithfulness. Maybe during this Lenten journey, you make space to join a small group study or order The Chosen Bible study and devotional from our website. Maybe download a new prayer app to your phone or listen to the Daily Audio Bible each day and also the DAB for your children on the same app.
Encourage: If you are able think about purchasing The Chosen DVD for one of our low-tech families or homebound or The Chosen 40-Day Devotional for a friend to read through Lent. Receiving a gift like this is always an encouragement and can change a person’s life forever!
Gather: Talk to your family about what they would like to enjoy on a Sabbath rest, maybe like the Jewish custom you light a candle and have a special dinner with a reading of scripture beforehand and a blessing of your children and family members as a reminder of God’s great love and faithfulness.