Family Feature
The Sabbath
It’s one of the most well-known commandments in the Bible, and yet probably the most overlooked: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8 NKJV). Many Christians spend their whole lives serving Jesus and never truly grasp the significance of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is more than simply attending church on a Sunday; it is a lifestyle that is devoted to resting, abiding, and rejoicing in Him.
We first encounter the Sabbath in Genesis, Chapter 2. God created the heavens and the earth; the darkness and the light, the waters and the skies. He created herbs, trees and plants of all variations, all manner of creatures beautiful and bold. After God created humankind, God rested. Genesis 2:2-3 (NKJV) reads: ‘On the seventh day God ended 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.’
From this scripture alone we can deduce that the Sabbath is sacred to God, and that observing the Sabbath is an act of worship. The Sabbath allows us to rest and to delight in the work of His hands. In the New Testament, Christ Himself reminds us in Mark 2:27 (NKJV) that “the Sabbath was made for man….”. Furthermore, decades of research into the Sabbath show that observing the Sabbath leads to greater holistic health outcomes, and contributes to the overall wellbeing of individuals and their communities.
So the question remains, how do we keep the Sabbath holy with schedules that are busy, demanding, and at times, chaotic?
Firstly, make an agreement as a family that observing the Sabbath is a priority.
There is a famous quote that says, “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them”. If we place importance on observing the Sabbath ourselves, then our children will too. If our children witness us taking the time to pause, rest, and reflect on the goodness of God, then it’s only natural that they will also learn to pause, rest, and reflect on the unforced rhythms of His grace.
Secondly, decide as a family on a suitable time to Sabbath.
If dedicating a whole day to the Sabbath is not possible at first, then start small. Perhaps a Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon may work better; whatever works for your family. The point is to be intentional about carving out time in the family calendar that is dedicated wholly to resting and rejoicing in Him.
Thirdly, be creative.
There are no rules regarding how you should observe the Sabbath as a family, so long as the time dedicated to Sabbath is reflective and restful. Some ideas include making and sharing a meal together, going out for a walk along the beach and marveling at His creation, having a bible study picnic at the park. The ideas are endless! Be creative and get the kids involved; each week can look different!
Finally, and most importantly, remember Him.
Traditionally, Jewish families would gather together and reflect on the story of creation, their redemption from slavery, and their exodus from Egypt, over a meal during their Sabbath. Let your Sabbath be a time where you reflect on His goodness together as a family. Take turns sharing about what He has done for you; be thankful, be grateful, and rejoice in Him!
In a world that never stops or sleeps, that promotes striving rather than rest, let us make the Sabbath holy once again. In doing so, we will teach our children how to abide in Him (John 15:4-5), and how to stop and marvel at His goodness, no matter what comes their way.
Mrs Samantha Nalliah (Student Wellbeing Coordinator)