The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Part three: Practices for unhurrying your life
Sabbath (3|4)
Pages 159-167
TOGETHER read the book (END READING AT: So much.) then the following scripture slowly and attentively.
INDIVIDUALLY take notes in your journal on what stands out.
Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV) Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Deuteronomy 5:12-14 (NIV) “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
GROUP DISCUSSION:
Command one: Sabbath as rest and worship.
REMEMBER the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Command two: Sabbath as resistance.
OBSERVE the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Share just one or two things that stood out to you while reading the book and/or scripture. (try to keep it brief)
TOGETHER pray for one another.
INDIVIDUALLY answer the questions in your journal - process your notes and pray.
John Mark Comer says: It’s easy to forget there is a day that’s blessed and holy. Easy to get sucked into the life of speed, to let the pace of your life ramp up to a notch shy of insanity.
Remember that life as it comes to us is a gift.
Remember to take time to delight in it as an act of grateful worship.
Remember to be present to the moment and its joy.
What is your response to that statement?
Have you ever thought of Sabbath as rest and worship or something you “do” by “not doing” things?
“A sabbath to the LORD” can also be translated as “set apart for the LORD” or dedicated to the LORD.” SO the Sabbath isn’t just a day for rest’ it’s also a day for worship. Sabbath isn’t the same thing as a day off.
What is your response to that statement?
OBSERVE the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. In round one in Exodus Moses uses remember now in round two in Deuteronomy when he is retelling the next generation he uses the word observe. John Mark Comers says it this way: Think of how we observe a holiday like Christmas or Easter. We gear up for it, plan out the day in advance, do all we can to make it special and approach it with anticipation.
What is your response to that statement?
What would it take for us to 1. Remember and 2. Observe the Sabbath?
What would your Sabbath look like if you planned it out in detail? A worship dance party followed by Tacos and a nap? Getting away into nature with your bible and a hammock? A road trip to somewhere you’ve never been? Would it be? Think about it and journal your response.
We live in a culture of more. A culture of gaping, unquenchable lust. For everything. Lust for more food, more drink, more clothes, more devices, more apps, more things, more square footage, more experiences, more stamps on the passport - more.
What is your response to that statement?
How does it make you feel?
Pray and ask God to help you remember and observe the Sabbath. To rest in Him and be near to you. To be free from shame and condemnation, to help you be a good steward of what He has blessed you with to steward.
EXTRA READING:
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord God our Father.
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
All I have needed, thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
- Thomas Chisholm (1866 - 1960)