January 29, 2023 "We Are Commanded To Rest"

ReNew Ames Messages

So we've spent a couple of weeks looking at the beginning of the Jesus story. His baptism in Mark - Jesus leaving home and calling the first disciples in Matthew. Now, back to Mark just after Jesus had sent the disciples on a local mission trip. They get back from the trip and they're so excited to tell Jesus what they had accomplished that they talk all over each other. So, Jesus says, "Come away with me - y'all need some rest." Jesus commands rest - commands Sabbath. Sabbath is important. When we truly observe Sabbath it's like we're saying: "We belong to you, God. We don't own this world. We can let go for a little while and the world will not fall apart." This is something we're not very good at. We've made being busy a virtue. But God says, "rest." When we do rest, we're making a theological statement with our lives. God is the one in charge. We don't save the world. Sabbath is also a way to become less self-absorbed. When the disciples get back they're telling Jesus all about what THEY had accomplished. They're so full of themselves. It should have been, "Hey, Jesus - look at all that God accomplished through us." It's not that we're unimportant - God loves it when we partner with him. It's just that when we do, it's God changing the world and we're God's instruments. Sabbath rest is also reenergizing. I'll explain more on Sunday. So at least for a day - take some rest. Let God be God and you go be a creature for a day. You just might find yourself with a little more life. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Mark 6:30-34; 53-56 https://www.bible.com/events/49023311