Salvation by Rest

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:15

“Sabbath is about God interfering with all the things you think you need to get done so that you can focus on what He has done for you.” —Eugene Peterson

“When we rest we acknowledge that all our striving will, of itself, do nothing.  Rest means letting the world pass us by for a time.  Genuine rest requires acknowledging that God and our brothers and sisters can survive without us.  It requires recognizing our own insufficiency and handing over responsibility.  It is truly surrendering to the ways of God.  It is a   moment of celebration, when we acknowledge that blessing comes only from the hand of God.  That is why rest requires faith.  It is also why salvation can be pictured as rest.  When we rest we accept God’s grace: we do not seek to earn; we receive.  We do not justify; we are justified.” —Paul Marshall

“At least at night,
Let your heart have a rest . . .
At least at night,
Stop your career,
Calm those desires that nearly madden you,
See if you can manage to put your dreams to sleep.
Yield yourself,
Body and soul,
Yield yourself really,
Truly and completely into God’s hands!”
—Brazilian pastor’s poem

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD keeps watch over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.” —Psalm 127: 1-2