Sabbath: A Divine Gift of Rest

Today, as we continue our journey through this series on resistance, I invite us to reflect on an often-overlooked act of defiance, the practice of Sabbath. At first glance, Sabbath might not seem like resistance. But when we pause to reflect on its deeper meaning, especially as we’ll explore through Exodus 20:8-11 and Mark 2:23-24, 27, we see that Sabbath is not merely a day of rest, it is a divine gift of liberation and trust, calling us to resist the forces of overwork, consumerism, and wealth inequality that dominate our world.

Walter Brueggemann, in "Sabbath as Resistance”, reminds us that the command to observe the Sabbath is not just about personal piety; it is about creating a just and equitable community. Sabbath confronts the systems that value production over people, consumption over contentment, and greed over grace. In “Materiality as Resistance", he expands this idea by showing how our relationship to material things, like time, labor, and rest, is a reflection of our trust in God’s provision. Let us hold these insights as we delve into today’s message.

A Story of Sabbath Lost

Imagine, if you will, a farmer in rural Ohio, a woman named Claire. For generations, her family has tilled the soil, rising before dawn and working until the last light fades. The demands of the farm are endless, and the pressure to produce more each year, to compete with large agricultural corporations, weighs heavily on her. Sundays used to be different. Claire remembers as a girl how the family would dress in their Sunday best, go to church, and share a meal together afterward. But now, Sundays are just another workday. The farm doesn’t rest, and neither does Claire. The more she works, the more she feels the weight of exhaustion and disconnection from her family, her neighbors, and even God. Claire’s prayer life has transitioned from a desire to grow deeper with her relationship with Jesus to a wishful plea to a genie God to “please give good weather and please give a great harvest, or at least enough to get by”. Claire really can’t remember a time of Sabbath where Jesus was first on her mind instead of the crops, the cows, or the continuation of her credit.

Claire’s story may feel familiar to many of us. In a world that measures worth by productivity, taking time to rest feels indulgent, even irresponsible. But this is precisely why Sabbath is an act of resistance. To observe Sabbath is to declare, as the Israelites did in the wilderness, that we are not slaves to the systems of Pharaoh, or, in Claire’s case, the unrelenting demands of modern agriculture and consumerism. Sabbath is a reminder that we are children of a God who values us not for what we produce, but for who we are.

Theological Grounding of Sabbath

When God commands the Israelites in Exodus 20:8-11 to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, it is rooted in the very rhythm of creation. “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested on the seventh day.” The creation story does not need to be literal in order for the symbolism to contain truth of what is sacred and holy. The act of divine rest is not because God needed a break but to model a way of being for creation. Sabbath is woven into the fabric of the universe, a rhythm of work and rest that reflects God’s nature.

Sabbath is more than a rhythm; it is a declaration of trust. In Mark 2:23-27, when Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, the Pharisees criticize them for breaking the law. Jesus responds, “The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath.” Here, Jesus reframes the Sabbath not as a burdensome rule but as a life-giving gift. Sabbath invites us to trust that God’s provision is sufficient, that we don’t have to earn our worth through endless toil, and that rest is not a luxury but a necessity.

Let us all understand what Sabbath does not mean. Observing Sabbath does not mean attending church on Sunday, or any day of the week a faith community gathers. This is what most religious communities do and there is nothing wrong with this act as we know it can be extremely beneficial for those who participate in like-minded acts of worship. Sabbath can consist of this worshipful ritualistic act yet is not defined by it.

Walter Brueggemann defines Sabbath as a deliberate cessation from the relentless pursuit of productivity and consumption that dominates contemporary society. He views it as an act of resistance against the “anxiety system of Pharaoh,” symbolizing any oppressive economic structure that treats individuals as commodities. By observing Sabbath, individuals affirm their identity beyond mere production, embracing their true selves and fostering a community rooted in neighborliness rather than exploitation. Brueggemann emphasizes that Sabbath is not primarily about adhering to specific rules but about becoming whole persons within a restored, whole society.

Process theology deepens this understanding by emphasizing God’s relational engagement with creation. Sabbath is not a static command but a dynamic invitation to co-create with God. It is persuasive grace in action, an opportunity to align our lives with God’s vision of abundance and communal well-being. In this sense, Sabbath is both holy and transformative, calling us to resist the forces that dehumanize and instead embrace the fullness of life God desires for us.

Embracing Sabbath as Resistance

So, how do we embrace Sabbath as resistance in our context here in rural Ohio?

1) Resisting Consumerism

First, Sabbath invites us to resist consumerism. In a culture that equates rest with spending, whether it’s shopping, entertainment, or travel, Sabbath challenges us to find contentment in simplicity. What if, instead of going out to eat on Sunday, after church, we took time to share a meal with our neighbors, as Claire’s family once did? Or spent time enjoying the beauty of God’s creation right here in our fields, forests, and parks? By resisting the urge to consume, we declare that our value is not tied to what we buy but to who we are as God’s beloved.

2) Embracing Rest Amidst Work

Second, Sabbath calls us to embrace rest, even in the midst of demanding work. For farmers like Claire, the idea of taking a full day off might feel impossible. But Sabbath doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It can start with small acts, setting aside an hour for intentional transformative prayer not genie asking prayer, reading and meditating upon a portion of Scripture, or simply sit in silence. It’s about creating space to reconnect with God and remember that our work is not what sustains us; God is, through our Savior Jesus. This act of rest is a tangible expression of trust in God’s provision.

3) Finding Hope in God’s Abundance

Finally, Sabbath helps us find hope in God’s abundance. In a world where scarcity often feels like the norm, whether it’s a lack of time, money, or energy, Sabbath reminds us that God’s economy operates differently. Acts 4:32-35 paints a beautiful picture of a community where resources are shared, and no one is in need. What if we saw our Sabbath practice not just as an individual rest but as a communal act of stewardship? Sharing meals, tools, or even childcare with neighbors can embody the spirit of Sabbath and build a more just and compassionate community.

Reflection

Friends, Sabbath is not a relic of the past; it needed and is a revolutionary act of faith. In a world that demands more, Sabbath whispers, “Enough.” It invites us to trust in God’s provision, to rest in God’s grace, and to resist the forces that devalue our humanity and exploit our labor. As we sang our hymns “Trust and Obey” and “Only Trust Him,” I invite you to let these songs be prayers that remind us of the deep connection between trust and rest.

So this week, I challenge you to take a step toward reclaiming Sabbath. Whether it’s setting aside an hour for rest, sharing a meal with a neighbor, or simply pausing to give thanks for God’s abundance, may your Sabbath practice be a sign of resistance and a source of renewal. May we, as a community, embody the hope and holiness of Sabbath, trusting in the message of Jesus Christ that God’s grace is sufficient for us all. Amen.