“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
—Exodus 20:8

Often when we hear the word Sabbath, we think of the Ten Commandments given to Moses, of which the command to observe the Sabbath is the fourth. But the truth is that the Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) is a principle of creation and actually predates the Law and the Hebrew people. Before the nation of Israel was born or the Ten Commandments were given, Genesis 2 says:

“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made” (vv. 2–3).

The word sanctified in verse 3 comes from the Hebrew word kadosh, which means holy, consecrated, separate, or set apart. From this principle we learn the importance of having time in our life that is separated unto God.

Taking a day each week to rest and be “human beings” rather than “human doings” creates a healthy boundary in our lives that will help us in our walk with God. This is why Yeshua said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man.” To unplug from work, computers, cell phones, entertainment, or any other daily routines that contribute to stress is something we must discipline ourselves to practice. I am so busy during the week that I literally have to force myself to take a day of rest. But I am able to function in greater health because of it.

Beloved, don’t dismiss the importance of taking a day each week to spend quality time with and unto God. It is not a day of recreation but a day of sanctification. Shabbat is about the Lord. We honor Him by setting it apart unto Him. In return, He brings us into a deeper place of healing, peace, and fellowship with Him. We imitate our God, who Himself rested on the seventh day, and as a result of following His example, we will be blessed and refreshed.

Father God, thank You for giving me a pattern to follow by working six days and resting one when You created the heavens and the earth. Help me to prioritize taking a day to honor You and disconnect from work, busyness, and stress in order to be refreshed and restored. Thank You for the Sabbath.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Divine Truth (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.