The Sabbath Products

We know that the Sabbath Day was not only given to us as a gift of rest, but also, as a test to always remember and trust in God’s provision. We learned that rest was birthed when the children of Israel were grumbling and complaining because life wasn’t going the way that they thought it would or should go. Instead of wiping them out, God was rescuing them from themselves, freeing them from a life of bondage and slavery. Just like when OUR journey gets difficult, we want to return to old habits and behaviors to bring comfort to our feelings. We tend to take matters into our own hands, trusting ourselves instead of trusting God. We must remember that God is our provider. He has given this day of rest to replenish and restore us, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

     Did you know that farmers frequently let their land rest to allow the nutrients of the soil to be replenished and to protect them from breeding cycles of harmful pests? The continual cropping of a field with no rest also impoverishes the soil and reduces it to eventually become barren. What if the soil of our bodies and lives needs to be replenished by resting them? Taking time to break up the breeding cycles of ‘harmful pests’ in our bodies and lives through Holy Rest. When we become so busy that we do not rest, we cause our body, mind, soul, and spirit to become barren (empty, unfruitful). We don’t want that! We want to produce good fruit, right?

      We see in Leviticus 25:1-7 when the Lord spoke to Moses instructing him to speak to the sons of Israel about how they should plant and harvest. God instructed them to take a sabbatical year where they couldn’t grow anything. In this year, when they were faithful, God provided! In a year where they seemed to have less, they actually had more! By honoring the Sabbath for the land taking one year off, they were able to receive a bountiful crop that would provide for three years. God kept his promise then that he would provide. He would bless their entire generations to come for being obedient to his command of rest. When we take a leap of faith - to be obedient to his commandant of rest, we will surely be blessed!

     What are you leaving behind by teaching your children and your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren? By taking a day of rest, and leaving it set apart for HIS glory, it is showing that you trust the Lord your God to provide all of your daily products, your daily needs. Trust and watch the ripple effect!