The Gift of Rest

Focus Statement

Rest is not just a pause in our busy lives,

but a divine gift that restores us,

renews our communities,

and reflects God’s vision for all creation.

Things to Consider

As we wrap up our “Season of Rest” series,

let’s take a moment to reflect on our journey:

We started by exploring Elijah’s experience of divine rest in Week 1,

considering how God might help us release into rest

rather than pushing ourselves to do more.

In Week 2, we delved into Ecclesiastes,

examining the rhythm of rest, work, and play.

We pondered how to cultivate a healthy balance

essential for our well-being and spiritual growth.

Last week, we turned to Genesis,

uncovering the science behind rest.

We discovered the natural ebb and flow

for our minds, bodies, and spirits, modeled by Godself.

Now, as we conclude with Leviticus,

we’re exploring rest as a gift for all creation.

We’ve moved from personal rest to community-wide renewal,

from individual rejuvenation to societal restoration.

Throughout this series,

we’ve seen rest transform from a luxury to a necessity,

from a personal indulgence to a communal responsibility.

As we approach our final message,

consider how embracing rest might not just change your life,

but ripple out to impact our entire community.

What Scripture Says

As our garden journey reaches its culmination,

we find ourselves in a landscape

where vibrant growth intertwines with intentional rest.

This balance is beautifully illustrated in Leviticus 25:1-19,

which reveals God’s wisdom in nurturing both land and soul.

“When you enter the land I am going to give you,

the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord” (verses 1-2).

This divine rhythm echoes creation’s pattern,

where God’s work culminated in holy pause.

The Sabbath year (verses 3-7) invites us to look beneath the surface.

Like roots nourishing a plant,

this rest rejuvenates the land and our souls.

The Year of Jubilee (verses 8-12) expands this principle:

“Consecrate the fiftieth year

and proclaim liberty throughout the land” (verse 10).

This cycle of renewal encompasses the entire community.

In Jubilee, we see sustainable agriculture and spiritual wisdom intertwined.

Fallow fields aren’t unproductive; they’re regenerating.

Our periods of rest are essential for growth and flourishing.

Verses 13-19 remind us that true rest involves more than physical pause.

It’s about restoring relationships and equity

(a word that seems to have fallen out of favor in our society….

but is should not among Christians).

Verse 17 says,

“Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God”,

which underscores rest as a communal responsibility.

Jesus later draws on this concept,

proclaiming “the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:16-21).

He embodies Jubilee’s promises,

extending them from a periodic event

to an eternal reality of spiritual freedom.

The Year of Jubilee,

from Old Testament to Christ,

reveals God’s vision where rest nurtures both land and soul,

a divine gift woven into creation’s fabric.

What This Means for You

The Year of Jubilee challenges us to

examine our personal rhythms of work and rest.

In our fast-paced world,

it’s easy to neglect the renewal God intends for us.

When was the last time you truly rested -

not just a quick break,

but deep, restorative rest that refreshes your soul?

Jubilee principles invite us to embrace regular sabbath rest,

creating space to reconnect

with God and recharge our spirits.

It also encourages us to “forgive debts” -

both literal and metaphorical.

Are there burdens you’re holding onto

that are weighing you down?

Remember, embracing rest isn’t laziness;

it’s aligning with God’s design for human flourishing.

How might your life change if you viewed rest not as a luxury,

but as a divine gift and responsibility?

What This Means for Us

The Year of Jubilee extends beyond personal rest to community-wide renewal.

We’re called to create environments

where everyone can experience rest,

regardless of circumstances.

This challenges us to advocate for fair practices

and foster a culture valuing rest as essential.

The Jubilee invites us to reimagine our communities,

emphasizing that true flourishing occurs when we prioritize collective well-being.

As we embrace this vision,

we work towards a more equitable society

reflecting God’s heart for restoration. Amen? Amen.

Written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI, based on a series developed by GNJUMC’s Breakthrough: https://breakthroughseries.org/.