WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.260 I'm pretty tired. 00:00:03.500 --> 00:00:11.759 This most recent round of restrictions from COVID has reminded me of how weary I have been from all of this. 00:00:12.040 --> 00:00:15.720 And there's definitely a fatigue that comes from constantly having to think, 00:00:16.240 --> 00:00:18.940 how far am I allowed to go from my house? 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:20.219 What am I allowed to do? 00:00:20.500 --> 00:00:24.280 Even throughout the week, how many people could I have over at my house? 00:00:24.820 --> 00:00:26.839 There's no church. 00:00:26.940 --> 00:00:27.800 How do I get online? 00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:29.179 Where do I find the link for that? 00:00:29.179 --> 00:00:31.219 How do I do my job from home? 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:34.079 All of these things are so exhausting. 00:00:34.979 --> 00:00:39.619 I'm not sure how you've been feeling, but I'm certainly feeling like I need a rest. 00:00:40.539 --> 00:00:47.379 I've got holidays coming up, but even holidays coming up bring a certain sense of anxiety and stress. 00:00:47.799 --> 00:00:50.079 Will I actually be able to cross the border? 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:54.600 I saw an ad the other day, which will come up on screen in a moment. 00:00:54.600 --> 00:00:58.879 I saw this ad for a holiday in Tasmania. 00:00:59.179 --> 00:01:01.799 And it says, come down for air. 00:01:02.399 --> 00:01:07.980 And now it just feels like they're just torturing us with this advertisement for a holiday that we can't go on. 00:01:08.700 --> 00:01:12.579 But that advertising, come down for air, come down, and it's fresh. 00:01:12.739 --> 00:01:13.760 You can catch a breath. 00:01:13.980 --> 00:01:15.359 This is wonderfully restful. 00:01:15.359 --> 00:01:18.519 It sounds appealing. 00:01:18.519 --> 00:01:27.319 Now, while we're in Sydney in lockdown for the next two weeks, it doesn't necessarily mean that things are going to be restful, though. 00:01:28.119 --> 00:01:31.759 I think that I find it easy to fill my time with things that aren't really restful. 00:01:31.799 --> 00:01:33.280 I'll just end up watching too much TV. 00:01:33.420 --> 00:01:34.340 I'll sit on my phone. 00:01:34.340 --> 00:01:42.900 And after the next couple of weeks, what could have been a rest from normal habits hasn't actually been. 00:01:43.219 --> 00:01:47.800 Because I think what we need really is Sabbath rest. 00:01:48.480 --> 00:01:53.200 The rest that reminds us that we don't carry the burdens of the world. 00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:58.740 We don't carry the anxieties of the world because we have a God who does. 00:01:59.560 --> 00:02:02.060 And he calls us to rest in him. 00:02:03.159 --> 00:02:09.599 COVID reminds us that, you know, these lockdowns remind us that we are really not in control at all. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:11.960 And we have a God who is in control. 00:02:13.340 --> 00:02:19.280 And Sabbath rest reminds me that I can rest because God is in control of all things. 00:02:19.280 --> 00:02:25.960 We're continuing in our series, Ordinary People, Extraordinary God, through the book of Exodus. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:31.360 And we've been, today we'll be looking at God's command for Sabbath rest. 00:02:31.780 --> 00:02:39.139 And today, as we see this command, we'll see God's call for us to regularly rest in him. 00:02:39.780 --> 00:02:46.939 But to do that, we're going to need a new definition of what Sabbath rest is and why it should be one of the most important parts of our week. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:57.120 So today, as we look at Sabbath rest, first of all, we're going to see the created rest, the recreated rest, and then how to actually rest. 00:02:57.379 --> 00:02:59.159 So please pray with me. 00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:08.099 Heavenly Father, I thank you for this opportunity to look at your word, to be reminded about rest. 00:03:08.099 --> 00:03:16.180 And Father, for those of us who are in Greater Sydney, who have been taken out of our normal habits over the next two weeks, 00:03:16.959 --> 00:03:21.859 Father, I pray that you would use this time to help us to rest in you. 00:03:22.419 --> 00:03:24.759 We ask this in your son's name. Amen. 00:03:25.919 --> 00:03:31.959 First thing we'll see this morning is created rest, which might actually be dropping off the bottom of your screen. 00:03:32.019 --> 00:03:33.400 You might be able to see it there. That's okay. 00:03:33.400 --> 00:03:39.480 In this series so far, we have seen that God has taken his people from slavery in Egypt. 00:03:39.700 --> 00:03:46.000 He has saved them. He has pulled them out through miraculous things, through plagues, through the Red Sea. 00:03:46.560 --> 00:03:49.980 He has made a lasting covenant with them. 00:03:50.480 --> 00:03:56.340 God has bound himself to these people and he has made his home with them. 00:03:56.640 --> 00:04:02.319 He's instructed them to build a tabernacle so that God would be with them all of the time. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:04.759 God has saved them to worship. 00:04:04.919 --> 00:04:08.159 And as we saw last week, the Israelites couldn't wait to worship. 00:04:08.259 --> 00:04:16.959 They get out of Egypt and as soon as they could, they set up the golden calf to worship instead of worshiping God. 00:04:17.719 --> 00:04:26.000 But either side of that situation with the golden calf, there are commands in chapter 31 and chapter 35 for Sabbath rest. 00:04:26.539 --> 00:04:28.339 Sabbath rest in God. 00:04:28.339 --> 00:04:31.079 And so God calls Exodus in chapter 31. 00:04:31.199 --> 00:04:32.099 Have your Bible open. 00:04:32.199 --> 00:04:33.179 It'll be on the screen as well. 00:04:33.619 --> 00:04:34.779 Have the Bible open. 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:42.359 Then the Lord said to Moses, say to the Israelites, you must observe my Sabbaths. 00:04:42.899 --> 00:04:47.419 This will be a sign between me and for the generations to come. 00:04:47.959 --> 00:04:52.859 So you may know that I am the Lord who makes you holy. 00:04:53.819 --> 00:04:56.259 The book of Exodus contains God's commands. 00:04:56.679 --> 00:04:58.179 And many are framed in the negative. 00:04:58.519 --> 00:04:59.779 Think of the Ten Commandments. 00:04:59.779 --> 00:05:01.599 You shall not. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:02.919 You shall not commit adultery. 00:05:03.079 --> 00:05:04.119 You shall not murder. 00:05:05.239 --> 00:05:09.119 But here, God is commanding the Israelites to do something. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:10.579 But it's in the positive. 00:05:10.799 --> 00:05:11.799 You must. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:13.559 You shall do this. 00:05:14.219 --> 00:05:16.299 You must observe the Sabbaths. 00:05:16.479 --> 00:05:23.359 And so whatever we see about the Sabbaths, whatever difficulty there is for God's people and for us, 00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:28.259 first and foremost, we must see that it is a very positive thing for us. 00:05:29.920 --> 00:05:32.420 Israel were told to regularly stop. 00:05:33.020 --> 00:05:35.379 To remember their relationship with God. 00:05:36.199 --> 00:05:39.520 To regularly Sabbath every week. 00:05:40.400 --> 00:05:44.040 Sabbath rest is a regular sign of relationship. 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:50.360 It's a picture of enjoying rest with God because of all that God has already done. 00:05:50.360 --> 00:05:53.180 He is the one who has saved them. 00:05:53.480 --> 00:05:55.420 He is the one who has entered into a covenant. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:59.319 He is the one who is coming down to heaven to dwell with them. 00:06:00.220 --> 00:06:02.980 And he requires them to rest with him. 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:11.100 This is a call for Israel to regularly take time each week to stop and to invest in their relationship with God. 00:06:11.500 --> 00:06:13.439 To remind themselves about who they are. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:14.980 Who has saved them. 00:06:15.080 --> 00:06:16.040 Who owns them. 00:06:16.460 --> 00:06:18.040 Who has bound them to him. 00:06:18.040 --> 00:06:27.000 And here in verse 13, it says that they would do this to know the Lord who makes them holy. 00:06:28.280 --> 00:06:31.600 The word holy here means set apart. 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:33.040 Special. 00:06:33.200 --> 00:06:35.580 These people were special to God. 00:06:36.700 --> 00:06:40.140 They were his unique people that he would bless. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:43.600 And then through them he would bless the entire world. 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:46.860 And they would just show that they were holy. 00:06:46.980 --> 00:06:47.879 That they were set apart. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:48.760 That they were special. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:52.020 By regularly taking time out to stop. 00:06:52.640 --> 00:06:53.740 To stop work. 00:06:54.260 --> 00:06:55.680 And to rest in God. 00:06:56.260 --> 00:06:57.220 Not working. 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:58.100 Not being busy. 00:06:58.340 --> 00:06:59.100 But to rest. 00:06:59.260 --> 00:07:03.080 To be forced to depend on God in a physical way. 00:07:03.079 --> 00:07:11.579 Resting and Sabbathing is a weekly reminder that God is the one who works. 00:07:12.639 --> 00:07:15.639 That we are dependent upon him. 00:07:16.539 --> 00:07:18.560 It is active trust. 00:07:18.680 --> 00:07:22.680 It is a picture of saying to God, God, I have so much stuff I have to do. 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:24.680 I need to gather food. 00:07:24.799 --> 00:07:26.419 I've got a family to take care of. 00:07:26.479 --> 00:07:27.139 I've got a job. 00:07:27.139 --> 00:07:28.779 I've got to do all these things. 00:07:28.919 --> 00:07:30.899 But I'm going to stop. 00:07:31.879 --> 00:07:34.740 And I'm going to trust that you will take care of me. 00:07:35.419 --> 00:07:38.419 Look, God, I'm so used to being anxious and stressed out and busy. 00:07:38.899 --> 00:07:41.339 But I don't need to be those things. 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:44.439 Because God, you have promised that I am yours. 00:07:44.519 --> 00:07:45.740 And you will take care of me. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:53.019 Sabbath rest is the spiritual act of trusting God in physical form. 00:07:53.839 --> 00:07:54.579 Let me say that again. 00:07:54.579 --> 00:08:00.259 Sabbath rest is the spiritual act of trusting God in physical form. 00:08:01.219 --> 00:08:03.539 It impacts our diaries. 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:05.019 It impacts our weeks. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:09.919 And it resets us each week in relationship with God. 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:15.439 Imagine how easy it would have been for Israel who have just come out of Egypt. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:20.180 Who are still trying to figure out what it meant to be a people who are living in a desert. 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:23.839 To have been frustrated by this. 00:08:23.839 --> 00:08:26.639 They didn't have modern technology. 00:08:26.799 --> 00:08:27.719 They didn't have electricity. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:30.079 Cooking is difficult. 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:31.639 Cleaning is difficult. 00:08:32.579 --> 00:08:34.959 Everything had to be done by hand. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:38.159 And yet God says, stop every week. 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:41.279 Take time to rest. 00:08:41.839 --> 00:08:44.579 Don't work, but instead remember who I am. 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:46.559 And remember who you are. 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:47.819 You are my people. 00:08:47.820 --> 00:08:53.780 God continues to describe the Sabbath in verse 14 and the purpose of it. 00:08:54.560 --> 00:08:57.620 Observe the Sabbath because it is holy to you. 00:08:58.540 --> 00:09:01.020 Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death. 00:09:01.540 --> 00:09:05.100 Those who do any work on that day must be cut off from the people. 00:09:05.780 --> 00:09:08.120 For six days work is to be done. 00:09:08.120 --> 00:09:11.600 But the seventh day is a day of Sabbath rest. 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:13.120 Holy to the Lord. 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:16.940 Whoever does any work on it on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:19.840 The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath. 00:09:20.100 --> 00:09:23.500 Celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. 00:09:24.539 --> 00:09:27.860 It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:31.639 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth. 00:09:32.019 --> 00:09:36.080 And on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:41.759 It is crucially important that the people would regularly do this. 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:45.820 And that's why there is such strong punishments. 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:51.320 Two weeks ago we looked at the building of the tabernacle. 00:09:51.320 --> 00:09:58.260 And we saw all of the connections between the building of the tabernacle and the building of the earth in Genesis. 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:03.440 We saw that God had made a home with the people when he made the world. 00:10:03.560 --> 00:10:09.360 And again with the tabernacle God was coming and building a home with the people in the tabernacle. 00:10:10.460 --> 00:10:17.020 And here again as you can see on the screen we have those connections back to Genesis. 00:10:17.019 --> 00:10:17.220 Genesis. 00:10:18.419 --> 00:10:25.100 God commands Sabbath because it was good for God and it is good for us. 00:10:25.939 --> 00:10:27.879 God created the world and rested. 00:10:28.860 --> 00:10:30.879 And we are to rest too. 00:10:32.299 --> 00:10:36.639 In creation God makes all of the animals and he makes people. 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:40.220 And people can often think that there's no difference. 00:10:40.379 --> 00:10:42.419 We're just smarter versions of animals. 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:45.340 But God has made us to be different. 00:10:45.340 --> 00:10:48.360 God has made us unique to the rest of creation. 00:10:48.940 --> 00:10:51.680 Animals don't get a day off. 00:10:52.259 --> 00:10:54.840 They have to keep looking for food. 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:58.820 Because if they stop they'll either be eaten or they won't eat. 00:10:59.940 --> 00:11:02.139 But God has made us different. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:05.740 He has made us like himself. 00:11:07.240 --> 00:11:13.060 Regularly Sabbathing is a sign to remind us that God is the one who is in control. 00:11:13.059 --> 00:11:16.099 He is the Lord and we have been made like him. 00:11:17.059 --> 00:11:18.639 He is the one who provides. 00:11:18.759 --> 00:11:21.000 He is the one who continues to work. 00:11:21.819 --> 00:11:25.819 We are not made to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:28.079 We are made for more than survival. 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:32.059 We are made for more than busyness. 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:34.000 For more than chasing things in life. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:38.539 We are made to work and to rest in God. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:44.700 It's a beautiful picture of how things were in the Garden of Eden when work wasn't exhausting. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:47.559 And God was there to be enjoyed. 00:11:47.559 --> 00:11:51.939 Just like we saw in the building of the tabernacle. 00:11:52.099 --> 00:11:55.339 God built the tabernacle to be at home with the people. 00:11:56.159 --> 00:12:00.419 God restored in the tabernacle what was lost in creation. 00:12:01.099 --> 00:12:03.279 Now God is restoring something that was lost. 00:12:03.419 --> 00:12:07.519 God is restoring rest that was lost in the Garden. 00:12:07.519 --> 00:12:12.659 God has had close relationships with people. 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:17.699 He had them in the Garden and He is restoring them now. 00:12:18.059 --> 00:12:22.340 Bringing Exodus, bringing God's people back to relationship with Him. 00:12:23.679 --> 00:12:28.019 The relationship between God and His people, it's comparable to a marriage. 00:12:29.399 --> 00:12:34.079 And time is needed for any relationship and especially a marriage to thrive. 00:12:34.080 --> 00:12:38.420 I know that in my relationship and my marriage with Alyssa, 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:41.780 there is definitely seasons of life that have been busy. 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:44.379 And we can be like ships passing in the night. 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:49.120 And then all of a sudden, after a couple of days, I'll just, I'll see Alyssa and realize, 00:12:49.379 --> 00:12:49.860 do you know what? 00:12:49.920 --> 00:12:52.320 I haven't, I haven't seen you. 00:12:52.440 --> 00:12:56.180 I haven't, I feel like I haven't spoken to you for days. 00:12:56.960 --> 00:13:00.900 No wonder I'm starting to become passive aggressive or holding a grudge. 00:13:00.899 --> 00:13:07.379 This is true of all relationships, especially so with God. 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:14.279 Regular rhythm of time in relationships helps to keep them healthy. 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:19.379 Regular time of relationship with God helps to keep our relationship with Him healthy. 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:26.600 Israel were called to regularly take time to work on their relationship with God. 00:13:26.600 --> 00:13:32.420 That's our first point this morning, that God has created rest for us. 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:36.279 For Israel, this time was very specific. 00:13:37.420 --> 00:13:44.980 But the second question for us is, do Christians need to follow the same kind of very specific, 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:46.800 ritualized Sabbath? 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:50.019 Does God require us to not do any work? 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:53.040 Are we even allowed to light a fire on the Sabbath? 00:13:53.039 --> 00:13:59.519 Should we celebrate the Saturday or the day that Christians celebrate, which is the Sunday, 00:13:59.620 --> 00:14:00.959 the day that Jesus came back? 00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:03.799 And so that's, this is the second point for us today. 00:14:05.419 --> 00:14:06.439 Recreated rest. 00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:08.879 Recreated rest in Jesus. 00:14:10.199 --> 00:14:16.959 Many aspects that God instituted in Exodus have been fulfilled in Jesus. 00:14:16.960 --> 00:14:20.340 God being at home with His people in the tabernacle. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:23.720 That is God being at home with us in Jesus. 00:14:25.620 --> 00:14:28.700 Sacrifices were constantly brought into the tabernacle. 00:14:29.280 --> 00:14:32.080 And Jesus is the once and for all sacrifice. 00:14:32.700 --> 00:14:34.580 In Jesus, we have a new covenant with God. 00:14:35.540 --> 00:14:38.980 But how is the Sabbath fulfilled in Jesus? 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:45.860 Well, in Luke chapter 6, Jesus describes Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath. 00:14:46.820 --> 00:14:48.820 He is the one who controls it. 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:51.320 He is the one who brings it. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:56.600 And in Matthew 11, which Nick read for us, Jesus declared, 00:14:56.600 --> 00:15:26.540 These words are like a balm to a weary and burdened soul. 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:30.960 Jesus promises that He would give rest. 00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:36.519 The rest that was promised in the weekly structure of living for Israel, 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:38.879 Jesus would give that rest. 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:43.340 There is something deeply appealing about these words. 00:15:44.139 --> 00:15:50.100 God's intention isn't for us to be constantly rushing and constantly being busy, 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:56.019 to be burnt out in the hope that we would fulfill our lives and fulfill our to-do lists. 00:15:56.600 --> 00:16:05.100 Jesus calls us to rest in Him because it's in Him that all of the work is finished. 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:09.180 And because of that, we can find our rest and our hope in Him. 00:16:09.179 --> 00:16:15.139 At the heart of our busyness is our heart. 00:16:16.579 --> 00:16:22.319 Some would suggest that a life of over-busyness comes from a false belief that God is not enough. 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:25.739 God doesn't have enough for me, so I have to be really busy 00:16:25.739 --> 00:16:29.099 because I've got all of these things that I need in my life. 00:16:29.100 --> 00:16:35.240 And so as we consider the things that stop us from resting in God, 00:16:35.920 --> 00:16:38.000 it is good to question for us, 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:41.440 what are the things that makes us busy? 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:52.960 Tim Chester, who's written a wonderful book on Exodus, 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:59.380 he has six questions for us to question what impacts our busyness 00:16:59.380 --> 00:17:01.920 and what stops us from resting in God. 00:17:02.660 --> 00:17:07.440 First of all, are we busy because we need to prove ourselves? 00:17:07.440 --> 00:17:12.080 You know, do I need to work really hard at work or at study 00:17:12.080 --> 00:17:15.720 to prove to my family or myself that I have value? 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:19.180 Are you busy because you need to prove yourself? 00:17:19.580 --> 00:17:23.220 Are you busy because of other people's expectations? 00:17:24.820 --> 00:17:29.279 Are you working yourself to the bone because of how other people view you? 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:34.240 Are you busy because otherwise things will get out of control? 00:17:35.119 --> 00:17:37.399 Often this is one that I struggle with. 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:40.599 If I'm not making sure the house is clean, 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:42.940 if I'm not constantly working on that, 00:17:43.059 --> 00:17:44.680 I feel like it's going to get out of control 00:17:44.680 --> 00:17:47.680 and then it will all crash in on me. 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:50.879 That's one I struggle with, control. 00:17:52.559 --> 00:17:56.660 Are we busy because we actually like being busy? 00:17:56.660 --> 00:17:58.820 We like feeling like we're under pressure. 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:01.180 I work harder when I'm under pressure. 00:18:02.360 --> 00:18:03.759 Is that why we're busy? 00:18:04.820 --> 00:18:08.000 Are we busy because we just want more money? 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:09.720 I'll rest. 00:18:09.840 --> 00:18:11.680 I'll take time off when I've got enough money. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:14.279 But before that, I'm going to work so hard. 00:18:14.540 --> 00:18:16.540 I'm going to work job upon job. 00:18:16.620 --> 00:18:20.380 I'm going to have side hustle because I just want to get more money 00:18:20.380 --> 00:18:22.120 and I'm going to be busy until I get it. 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:24.040 But I'll rest later. 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:28.980 Or are we busy because we want to make the most out of our lives? 00:18:30.680 --> 00:18:32.779 I want to fill it with all of these experiences, 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:33.799 so I'm not going to rest. 00:18:33.879 --> 00:18:35.440 I can't take time out of my diary. 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:36.599 God, I'm too busy. 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:38.359 I'm going to enjoy this world you've created. 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:45.859 These lies can work into so many different parts of our lives. 00:18:45.859 --> 00:18:50.439 Being overly busy and not resting in God. 00:18:50.639 --> 00:18:54.079 It's a way of pursuing God-like status. 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:56.799 I have to get these things done. 00:18:57.299 --> 00:19:01.899 The world will not continue unless I do these things. 00:19:03.179 --> 00:19:06.439 But the only person who can say that is God himself. 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:12.920 When we rest, we're doing the opposite of these six questions. 00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:19.240 We're acknowledging that we have nothing to give God 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:22.320 and that we are truly dependent upon him. 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:25.900 It's the opposite of thinking that the world will fall apart. 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:33.840 Every emotion that fuels our over-busyness has been dealt with at the cross. 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:39.440 Every fear that we have before God has been matched by Jesus. 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:45.060 And instead of pursuing these busy things, 00:19:46.000 --> 00:19:50.600 God invites us to rest in him, to draw closer in him. 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:54.620 And so, because of that, there are six truths that match these. 00:19:54.619 --> 00:20:00.239 First of all, we can rest because we are accepted by God. 00:20:00.379 --> 00:20:01.839 We don't need to prove ourselves. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.879 God accepts us in Jesus. 00:20:05.419 --> 00:20:10.079 We can rest because in Jesus, we have met God's expectations. 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:12.439 It doesn't matter about other people's views. 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:16.179 God, the one who created the whole world, loves us. 00:20:17.199 --> 00:20:23.259 The highest being in the universe has a high view of us because of Jesus. 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:28.399 We can rest because, you know, this is good for me. 00:20:28.479 --> 00:20:34.199 I don't need to try and chase control because I've got a God who is in control of all things. 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:39.000 I can rest because Jesus is my safe refuge. 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:43.739 I can rest instead of working my side hustles and trying to get money 00:20:43.739 --> 00:20:47.079 because God has given me everything I need. 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:52.659 And we can rest because through Jesus, we have life. 00:20:54.159 --> 00:21:01.000 God gives us Sabbath rest and this principle to live by 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:04.079 because that is how we have been made to be. 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:08.240 We have not been made to be people who are constantly rushing around. 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:13.519 But the flourishing of the human soul comes from resting in God. 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:17.460 The Sabbath isn't a rule for us to keep. 00:21:17.839 --> 00:21:22.799 It's an opportunity God provides for us to enjoy Him more 00:21:22.799 --> 00:21:29.059 because we show our trust in God when we take our time to rest and trust in Him. 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:32.259 Now, you might be convinced about this as a principle. 00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:33.819 Yes, I can understand this. 00:21:33.880 --> 00:21:35.039 I'm on with this idea. 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:37.119 But how do we actually do this? 00:21:37.619 --> 00:21:40.319 How do we actually rest? 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:42.220 What am I allowed to do? 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:46.119 Do I just shut off for 24 hours? 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:49.680 Do I just sit still on my lounge and not do anything? 00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:50.799 What am I allowed to do? 00:21:51.940 --> 00:21:55.079 There's a little Pharisee in all of us. 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:59.700 There's a person who likes to live by laws and rules in all of us. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:04.399 Our natural tendency is to define what we can do by rules. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:11.220 But the essence of Sabbath rest is not found in a do and don't list. 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:14.839 It's found in that first part of Exodus 31 that we saw. 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:19.559 Observe the Sabbath to remember who our God is. 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:23.200 And this is like breathing out. 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:32.059 I've lost a page. 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:33.059 I don't know where it's gone. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:36.200 So there are... 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:37.460 As I... 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:40.400 Please excuse me for one moment as I look for my lost page. 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.259 There it is. 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:44.259 So... 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:52.299 As we rest in Him, we remember that God has made us His holy people. 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:54.180 Set apart from Him. 00:22:54.220 --> 00:22:55.619 That's what we saw in Exodus 31. 00:22:56.099 --> 00:22:59.339 That God has made us holy and set apart. 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:05.660 When we do this, our hearts can be at rest even when our bodies are busy. 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:11.200 And so, as we think about how to rest, I want to give you four R's. 00:23:11.279 --> 00:23:13.600 Four R's of Sabbath rest. 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:16.820 The first R is to relent. 00:23:17.540 --> 00:23:19.320 We actually just need to stop work. 00:23:19.400 --> 00:23:20.640 We need to relent from work. 00:23:21.460 --> 00:23:22.600 Actually stop working. 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:26.400 Whether that's paid employment or around the house. 00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:27.420 Stop it. 00:23:28.380 --> 00:23:30.440 Don't check the phone for emails. 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:34.940 Let the dirty dishes and the dirty clothes pile up for a day. 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:38.279 There is no end of washing clothes, it turns out. 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.799 There is no end of washing dishes. 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:41.840 Things can stop. 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:45.880 Stop thinking about the people you need to call for work. 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.120 Cease. 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:48.019 Desist from it. 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:48.799 Relent from it. 00:23:48.840 --> 00:23:49.660 Just stop doing it. 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:52.400 This is the very first thing we have to do. 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:54.680 We actually just have to stop doing those things. 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:57.820 Turn off the mobile phone for a day. 00:23:58.580 --> 00:24:00.480 It's a fairly crazy thought. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:04.920 We are so used to now having our whole lives built by mobile phones. 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:06.140 Just turn the thing off. 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:15.640 Whatever you need to do to break that cycle of work for a day, do that so you can relent from work. 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:22.500 And if it can't be for a whole day, at least do it for a very long period of time. 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:23.900 So that's the first thing. 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:24.759 Relent. 00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:26.120 Just stop doing things. 00:24:26.679 --> 00:24:29.299 Second part of resting, it's going to be rest. 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:30.839 It is actually rest. 00:24:31.739 --> 00:24:33.819 Now everyone has activities are restful. 00:24:34.399 --> 00:24:35.939 Things that give back to us. 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:38.379 Whether it's drinking coffee or cycling. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:40.439 Whether it's movies or surfing. 00:24:41.099 --> 00:24:43.179 Reading or even just sleep. 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:45.139 Do something that is restful. 00:24:45.799 --> 00:24:51.959 For a long time when we had little kids, Alyssa and I would take turns sleeping in. 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:53.920 Alyssa would get the first sleep in. 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:55.920 I'd get up early with the kids and I'd hang out with them. 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:59.759 And then we'd tag team and I would go and sleep and she would be up with the kids. 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:08.180 Whatever it is that allows you to breathe a bit more, do that so that you can rest. 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:13.220 Now, I find those two come most naturally to me. 00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:19.480 I find it really easy to rest, to turn off work on these days, on a Sabbath day. 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:23.859 It might be the Australian culture of living for the weekend in me. 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:26.519 But these two are really important. 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:31.259 My time off most looks like number one and two. 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:33.379 Resting and relenting. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:36.339 But they can actually be very self-centered. 00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:38.359 They can be very sinfully self-centered. 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:42.579 I can think I have to do these restful things. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:49.680 And if anything gets in the way, if I get a phone call, if my children interrupt me when I am resting, look out. 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:54.059 So my rest can actually be quite sinful. 00:25:54.059 --> 00:26:00.839 And I know I can also do some really unhelpful things when I think I'm resting. 00:26:01.399 --> 00:26:08.319 Have you ever binged a TV show, watched three or four hours of it, finished watching it and thought, 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:11.519 I feel so rested right now. 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.700 I feel so good. 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:15.059 I know I certainly haven't. 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:23.159 Whenever I've binged watching TV, I finally turn it off when Netflix allows me to turn it off before the next episode starts. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:25.119 And I'm exhausted. 00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:27.240 I'm glassy-eyed. 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:30.879 It's like one o'clock in the morning, something stupid like that. 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:36.879 And I get tricked into thinking that this has been restful, but it's been exhausting. 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:42.440 Be aware of the things you do for rest, that they actually are restful. 00:26:43.660 --> 00:26:44.840 That's the first two. 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:53.440 You need to break the cycle of work, take time to rest, but then the third and fourth hours are the most important for us. 00:26:53.860 --> 00:26:55.800 To stop and to rest in Jesus. 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:58.220 And so the third is to rejoice. 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:03.299 Take time to rejoice in your Savior. 00:27:04.159 --> 00:27:08.299 Our Savior who has finished all of the work required for us for salvation. 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:12.460 Every desire that we have has been met in Jesus. 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:19.980 If resting is breathing out, well, rejoicing is breathing in. 00:27:20.159 --> 00:27:21.500 It's being filled. 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:26.900 It's being reminded of how great our Jesus is and how much He cares for us. 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:30.299 Go and pray through Psalm 118. 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:34.339 This is the day that the Lord has made. 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:37.579 Let us rejoice and be glad in Him. 00:27:37.839 --> 00:27:39.579 You might not be feeling that right now. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:42.400 You might be worried about the next two weeks of lockdown. 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:43.299 But you know what? 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:48.119 You can stop and rejoice that God has another day for you. 00:27:48.119 --> 00:27:51.699 That Jesus still died for you. 00:27:51.899 --> 00:27:54.939 He was raised for you and He still loves you. 00:27:55.859 --> 00:27:57.679 You can rejoice in that today. 00:27:58.199 --> 00:28:00.099 So go and read Psalm 118. 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:03.419 When we rest, it is important to rejoice. 00:28:04.519 --> 00:28:06.039 It's also important to reflect. 00:28:07.479 --> 00:28:11.399 Actually stop long enough to reflect on where you're at with God. 00:28:11.400 --> 00:28:16.860 Like any relationship, we need to reflect where we're at with God. 00:28:17.980 --> 00:28:26.160 Thinking about Jesus, just having thoughts about Him, it's not nearly as good as actually being in relationship with Him. 00:28:27.300 --> 00:28:33.660 Telling other people about Jesus isn't nearly as good as drinking deeply from the wellspring of grace. 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:39.220 Rejoicing and reflecting are things we often do here at church. 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:41.940 And we do these things with other believers. 00:28:42.860 --> 00:28:45.519 Normally on a Sunday, we get a chance to sing. 00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:48.000 We get a chance to rejoice with one another. 00:28:48.340 --> 00:28:52.840 There's times to reflect on where our relationship with God is. 00:28:53.560 --> 00:28:58.680 But one of the problems of our normal Sunday is that our Sundays have become so busy. 00:28:59.640 --> 00:29:02.720 Our Sundays have become full of things. 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:03.799 There's kids' sports. 00:29:04.360 --> 00:29:06.799 The shops are open on Sundays. 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:09.620 We want to spend time with people. 00:29:09.880 --> 00:29:17.500 But so often, Sabbathing, resting in God, gets crammed down into the church time. 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:21.420 Maybe it's just an hour and a half. 00:29:22.120 --> 00:29:23.100 I'll get to church. 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:27.860 Maybe I'll get there a little bit late so I actually miss out on rejoicing in singing. 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:30.319 Rejoicing at other parts. 00:29:30.319 --> 00:29:33.000 I'll hang around for a coffee. 00:29:33.599 --> 00:29:34.439 And then I'm out. 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:35.659 I've got other things to do. 00:29:36.679 --> 00:29:39.099 And those other things aren't Sabbath restful things. 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:41.299 They're just things I want to do. 00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:42.139 I've got to get to the shops. 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:43.179 I've got to do these things. 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:45.019 I've got things I need to do around the house. 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:50.200 Instead, take time. 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:57.480 We can't have a flourishing relationship with anyone, let alone God, if we're constantly checking the clock. 00:29:57.559 --> 00:29:58.299 What time is it? 00:29:58.360 --> 00:29:59.460 How long have I been here? 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.900 Have I finished my coffee? 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:01.640 I'm leaving. 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:02.799 Honey, we're going. 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:08.759 Throughout the week, we had a friend come over and make dinner for us. 00:30:09.620 --> 00:30:10.819 Our friend made hot pot. 00:30:11.360 --> 00:30:12.559 And it was really wonderful. 00:30:12.559 --> 00:30:19.799 What I love about the hot pot meal is the time that is built into it. 00:30:20.919 --> 00:30:21.839 It's not a quick meal. 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:23.039 It takes time. 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:27.519 You get the hot pot bases and then you're ready. 00:30:27.720 --> 00:30:29.599 Then you're throwing food in. 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:32.379 I'm going to throw some cabbage in. 00:30:32.399 --> 00:30:35.279 I'm going to throw some meat in, some noodles. 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:40.960 And you're just letting it simmer and the flavors develop over time. 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:47.079 And throughout the meal, it was wonderful because my friend was just throwing things in and the flavor was getting better. 00:30:47.180 --> 00:30:47.859 I'll try this. 00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.859 I'll throw this meat in. 00:30:48.899 --> 00:30:49.539 Here's another meat. 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:51.139 Let's throw dumplings and fish balls. 00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:52.160 And it was wonderful. 00:30:53.059 --> 00:30:54.879 And it was a great meal with my family. 00:30:55.819 --> 00:30:59.660 Other people came and joined in this meal and it was really wonderful. 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:04.399 One of the great things was that the flavor was developing over time and more things were going in. 00:31:04.400 --> 00:31:06.519 And I just had no reason to stop eating. 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.920 And I ate too much. 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:10.259 But that was also a wonderful thing as well. 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:15.820 If our friend had just chucked all the food in and then pulled it all out and said, 00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:17.000 Here, it's cooked. 00:31:17.780 --> 00:31:19.480 We would have had the same food. 00:31:20.160 --> 00:31:22.340 But we would have lost the depth of flavor. 00:31:23.640 --> 00:31:27.840 I could have cooked a toasted sandwich for my friend and gone, 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:28.880 Here you go. 00:31:29.140 --> 00:31:29.759 Eat this. 00:31:30.120 --> 00:31:31.440 Have a five-minute conversation. 00:31:31.860 --> 00:31:32.519 Get out of my house. 00:31:32.580 --> 00:31:33.580 I've got other things to do. 00:31:34.400 --> 00:31:39.580 But we wouldn't have had the same depth of relationship. 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:45.000 The same amount of time sitting around food, eating and talking together. 00:31:46.620 --> 00:31:52.880 It's easy to think of ticking off the Sabbath requirement as eating a toasted sandwich. 00:31:53.420 --> 00:31:54.180 It's food. 00:31:54.280 --> 00:31:56.019 I've got to get this time in with God. 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:57.860 I'm just going to put it in my mouth. 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:58.880 I know I need it. 00:31:59.000 --> 00:31:59.900 And I'm going to get it. 00:32:00.060 --> 00:32:00.940 I'm going to go to church. 00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:01.360 I'm going to leave. 00:32:01.359 --> 00:32:03.000 I'm going to watch this live stream at home. 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:03.799 I'm going to watch the YouTube. 00:32:03.879 --> 00:32:04.500 I'm going to leave. 00:32:04.719 --> 00:32:05.699 I'm going to read my Bible. 00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.539 I'm going to leave. 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:07.959 I'm going to briefly reflect. 00:32:08.199 --> 00:32:10.079 I'm going to briefly rejoice in these songs. 00:32:10.279 --> 00:32:10.939 But that's it. 00:32:12.459 --> 00:32:17.339 And we can end up having a shallow, bland relationship with God. 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:20.059 Just a plain old toasted cheese sandwich with God. 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:26.659 It can be nourishing, but it doesn't deeply satisfy the soul. 00:32:28.379 --> 00:32:32.179 That type of relationship with God is okay for a season. 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:34.720 God understands who we are. 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:36.859 He understands the pressures on our lives. 00:32:37.139 --> 00:32:39.599 He understands Jesus is a human. 00:32:39.700 --> 00:32:40.720 He knows the pressures. 00:32:42.179 --> 00:32:45.119 And yet he still calls us to time with him. 00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:48.200 Look at Jesus' practice. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:53.700 He took deliberate and specific steps to spend time with God in prayer. 00:32:55.100 --> 00:32:56.299 Let me encourage you. 00:32:57.360 --> 00:32:59.880 The hot pot Sabbath is so different. 00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:05.000 That's where we get to build in time in relationship with God. 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:08.319 Where we get real depth of relationship. 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:12.240 And so that Sabbath rest becomes a regular practice. 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:17.740 It's not just, my day off isn't just time off from work and time resting. 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:22.900 But I actually build in time rejoicing and reflecting on how I'm going with God. 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:26.000 Reflecting that God is bigger than my worries. 00:33:26.120 --> 00:33:28.319 God is bigger than my business, busyness. 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:29.740 He is the one who is in control. 00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:31.180 I've got money worries at the moment. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.660 But God is in control of them. 00:33:33.160 --> 00:33:34.140 I've got family issues. 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:35.700 But God, I know you love me. 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:38.299 I know that you are taking care of these issues. 00:33:38.299 --> 00:33:45.079 Now usually, at this point, I would encourage you to try and build a new habit. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.480 Build a new Sabbath habit. 00:33:47.159 --> 00:33:49.240 But Gladys has done that for us. 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:55.799 For all of those in Greater Sydney, we are out of our normal habits for the next two weeks. 00:33:55.799 --> 00:34:03.619 We all have an opportunity now to build good Sabbath relationships with God. 00:34:05.079 --> 00:34:07.119 When are you going to take time? 00:34:07.619 --> 00:34:08.679 Have a think about this. 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:09.679 Are you going to take time today? 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:12.480 When are you going to take time to relent from work? 00:34:13.139 --> 00:34:14.539 To rest in Jesus? 00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:19.239 To rejoice that He has worked so we don't have to? 00:34:19.239 --> 00:34:22.439 And to reflect on all of God's goodness to you. 00:34:23.899 --> 00:34:27.039 When you find yourself with time in the next two weeks, 00:34:27.939 --> 00:34:29.479 take time to do this. 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.199 To rejoice. 00:34:30.459 --> 00:34:31.119 To reflect. 00:34:31.259 --> 00:34:31.639 To rest. 00:34:31.719 --> 00:34:32.179 To relent. 00:34:33.279 --> 00:34:34.599 Do it in little bits. 00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:38.779 But make big chunks of time for this. 00:34:39.579 --> 00:34:42.339 To say, I'm not going to work on this day. 00:34:42.379 --> 00:34:45.199 Even though, you know, every day is going to blur together. 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:47.179 I am going to take time. 00:34:47.179 --> 00:34:49.399 I'm going to call some family members. 00:34:49.639 --> 00:34:50.799 I'm going to pray with them. 00:34:50.899 --> 00:34:51.839 I'm going to FaceTime. 00:34:51.919 --> 00:34:52.899 I'm going to Zoom with them. 00:34:53.639 --> 00:34:55.339 I'm going to read some Bible with them. 00:34:55.399 --> 00:34:56.139 I'm going to pray. 00:34:57.480 --> 00:35:03.699 So that we would regularly build in time that is not just going to briefly feed us. 00:35:04.559 --> 00:35:09.179 But that would deeply feed our souls in relationship with God. 00:35:09.859 --> 00:35:10.940 Let me pray for us. 00:35:13.139 --> 00:35:14.019 Heavenly Father. 00:35:14.019 --> 00:35:18.719 Father, I thank you for all of the good things that you give us. 00:35:19.780 --> 00:35:21.679 Father, thank you so much for Jesus. 00:35:23.500 --> 00:35:26.059 Thank you that he offers us rest. 00:35:27.619 --> 00:35:31.840 Father, I thank you that he has finished all of the work. 00:35:32.800 --> 00:35:36.019 So that because of him, we can rest in you. 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:43.639 Heavenly Father, I also thank you for this opportunity to take the next two weeks as we're in lockdown, 00:35:44.320 --> 00:35:47.420 for those in Greater Sydney to reflect on our time. 00:35:48.360 --> 00:35:51.199 Lord, help us not waste the next two weeks. 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:57.420 But build in us new habits of Sabbathing it with you, Lord. 00:35:57.420 --> 00:36:01.940 That we would be deeply in relationship with you. 00:36:02.420 --> 00:36:03.840 We ask this in your son's name. 00:36:04.380 --> 00:36:04.680 Amen.