Exodus 31 teaches us about the history of the Sabbath Day. While we don’t necessarily hold to the Sabbath the same ways the Israelites did, there is so much we should learn from the way God instructed them and the reasons behind it all. Let’s explore what the Sabbath is, why it is important even now, and how we can make more space for God in our lives.
The book of Exodus is filled with important information about the history of God’s people and the world. It is not only important, but so many of the lessons we can learn are relevant to each one of us as children of God. Dive in as we explore Exodus chapter by chapter.
- Main Themes of the Book of Exodus
- Exodus 1-4: Moses & Aaron
- Exodus 5-9: The Great Plagues
- Exodus 10-13: Passover
- Exodus 14-18: Deliverance
- Exodus 19-21: 10 Commandments
- Exodus 22: Property & social responsibilities
- Exodus 23: Helping others
- Exodus 23: The Annual Feasts
- Exodus 24-30: The Tabernacle
- Exodus 31: The Sabbath
- Exodus 32: The Golden Calf
Establishing intentional time with God
‘“For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord . There I will meet you and speak to you; ‘
Exodus 29:42
In order for the Israelites to further concrete themselves in their new culture, God would “show Himself” by appointment only. He specified times for them to come and meet with Him. This helped them to form a habit of coming to Him.
The Sabbath
‘“Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord , who makes you holy. ‘
Exodus 31:13
The Sabbath is a day of rest to remind God’s people that they have a unique relationship with God. It is a consistent reminder that they are God’s holy people.
Should we still recognize the Sabbath?
The Sabbath is a day set apart for us to acknowledge that God is in control. It is a day for us to rest, recover, and focus on what is most important. It is a day of reflection and refreshment.
‘“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. ‘
Exodus 20:8-11
God is not offended by us doing small things on the Sabbath Day. The point is to rest and to focus on the Lord, on good, but still remember that God is the one in control. This is a day to put the normal day-to-day aside and trust God to take control. Setting aside a day per week for rest and worship helps us to set the healthy routine God establishes for us, and allows us to enter a new week refreshed and focused.
How can we make time for God now?
There are so many practical ways to make time and space for God. We absolutely should prioritize time with God in any routine we make for ourselves and spend time with Him every day. We should absolutely incorporate time with the Lord in our family as well.
Tell us below how you spend your Sabbath, as well as ideas to encourage others to make more space for God.
