Title: The Rhythm of Sabbath
Texts: Leviticus 23:1-8 (9-44), Psalm 116:7, Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection Questions:
Read Psalm 116:7. Begin with silence, meditating on a word or phrase from that verse.
Waves and breath are two natural examples of ebb and flow. What other natural rhythms can you name?
Read Leviticus 23:1-8. In this introduction to the 7 festivals given in Leviticus 23, what stands out to you?
Put yourselves in the shoes of the Israelites as they were coming out of hundreds of years of slavery and preparing to enter the promised land. Why would instructions on Sabbaths and festivals be essential?
The Nazarene tradition encourages weekly church gatherings and regular communion. How are these inspired by and patterned after the Israelite rhythms of Sabbath and Passover?
How do these practices help shape our communities and our personal character?
Think about your weekly calendar. Where can you set aside 12-24 hours of sabbath rest? What kind of preparations would you need to make?
Close in prayer. Read Matthew 11:28-30. As you pray, name where you need rest and what burdens you need to lay at His feet.
Daily Reading
In this fourth week of our Renew Series on Sabbath, we are looking at the Sabbath Rhythm that God gave the Israelites in Leviticus 23.
Each day before reading take a moment to read Psalm 116:7. And at the conclusion of the reading, hear Jesus’ invitation to rest in Him from Matthew 11:28-30
Monday: Psalm 116:7; Leviticus 23:1-8; Matthew 11:28-30
Tuesday: Psalm 116:7; Leviticus 23:9-14; Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday: Psalm 116:7; Leviticus 23:15-22; Matthew 11:28-30
Thursday: Psalm 116:7; Leviticus 23:23-32; Matthew 11:28-30
Friday: Psalm 116:7; Leviticus 23:33-44; Matthew 11:28-30