035 Sacred Rhythms: Defying the Taskmasters

God modeled taking a day of rest way back in the beginning. But He knew that wouldn’t be motivation enough.  So He mandated a day of rest in the ultimate list of laws, the Ten Commandments.

We find this list of guidelines for God’s people in both Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, but the nuances we see in the two renderings of the Sabbath command give us unique insight into God’s heart for us.

In Exodus 20:8-11, the text looks up – we’re to look at God and His example. It remembers Eden when work was in balance. It’s also grounded in creation, looks to God’s divine example, and calls us to holy mimicry.

On the other hand, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 looks back and remembers Egypt, observing that they were once slaves and were driven to work. It’s grounded in liberation, in the truth that they have been set free, that their identity has been changed. It points to divine deliverance and calls for a holy defiance – “I am no longer a slave! I am a child of God!”

The thing is, just like the Israelites in Egypt who had cruel taskmasters that worked them ruthlessly, we too have “taskmasters” – voices that drive us relentlessly.  And most of the time, those taskmasters are in our own heads! They call us to push harder, shame us for being weak, saying “if you don’t do it, it won’t get done.” “You don’t deserve to rest. You can’t stop!”

Sabbath is a weekly opportunity to silence the “taskmasters.” To remind ourselves of our true identity…that in Christ, we are no longer slaves.

Sabbath is not a reward for finishing the job.  It’s a gift of relief from the job. 

 So, what does that look like practically? What can or can’t we do on the Sabbath?

At the risk of oversimplification, let me give you two “rules of thumb” that have served me well:

Rule #1 – Stop doing what you ought to do.  There are six days to do what you ought. Sabbath is the one day when the only thing you must do is to not do the things you must.  A good question to ask is: Is this a “get to” or a “have to”?

Rule #2 – Embrace that which gives life.  Think about these 3 questions: What it is that fills you up? Where do you find renewal? Who breathes life into you? Sabbath is a function not only of refusal but pursuit

Sabbath.  It’s one of the most gracious gifts we’ve been given by our loving Father.  And it’s yours for the taking.

Text: Exodus 20: 8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Originally recorded June 22, 2014, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.