Sacred Rhythms: Discovering God’s Gift of Sabbath

Grover Cleveland had a problem. As the dust in the air reflected the newly installed electric lightbulbs above him, the mustachioed President from New Jersey, now in his second term, sat at his desk with Senate Bill 730 before him, wondering how this had all happened so quickly. 

In the late 1800s, it wasn't uncommon for the average American to work ten to twelve hours, seven days a week. With the boom of the Industrial Revolution, the expansion of the American Railroad, and the advance of technology, labor was in high demand, and there was a never-ending need for more work as the Western World grew in its creativity and consumption.  

In response to the increasing burdens placed on the common citizen, labor unions advocated for workers' rights, finding themselves in direct opposition to the men who owned and operated these burgeoning empires. Men like George Pullman, who, amidst the economic panic of 1893, had cut the wages of his workers an astounding 30%, while refusing to lower the cost of the apartments he demanded they live in. 

In May 1894, the Pullman workers walked out, setting off a cascade of railroad strikes, effectively halting commerce throughout 27 states. Day after day, rail cars sat still, and day after day, tensions rose in the heat of early summer. It was here, in the middle of this unrest and heightened tension, that President Grover Cleveland sought to offer some conciliatory reparations. By signing Senate Bill 730 and dubbing the first Monday in September a respite from any form of professional work, he hoped that establishing a holiday meant to celebrate the work ethic and spirit of the American people would stall any impending violence. 

On June 28th, 1894, President Cleveland signed into law the creation of a National Holiday, named Labor Day.

Although Labor Day in the United States has only been officially celebrated for the last 130 years, and it’s more global cousin May Day roughly the same, the concept of stopping from our work in order to rest, refuel, and celebrate the results of our effort has been woven into the DNA of mankind through the story of Scripture since the very beginning.

Starting in Genesis 1, the creation story recognized both the importance of work and rest. The two concepts ultimately brought to a beautiful culmination in how our all-powerful and all-sufficient God saw fit to spend his final day of creation - by participating in the act of rest that He would go on to call Sabbath. 

The concept of Sabbath may or may not be familiar to you. It tends to be one of those church words that can seem somewhat archaic, having been left on the shelf of many of our theologies. It feels old-fashioned and potentially out of touch with the fast-paced reality of the modern contemporary work culture. But as we read through the narrative of Scripture, we realize the concept of a Sabbath rest isn't an optional platitude from a legalistic God keeping score of our efforts and our actions. It's a command. It is of utmost importance to the God who sees you and knows what is best for you in all aspects of your life. Sabbath is a rhythm of rest, and as we continue our journey, take the next minute to stop, acknowledging God’s command in your life to not just find rest, but to intentionally make time for it, delighting in his presence and his peace.

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15

The prophet Isaiah lived during a busy and turbulent time within the nation of Israel. Throughout the 66 chapters that shed light on Isaiah's life and ministry, we see a man who understood God in light of His greatness and glory, and who as a result, faithfully ministered to the people around him. 

In the middle of the book of Isaiah, the nation of Israel has once more found itself consumed with its own ideology and idolatry. Though they were a people of God's own inheritance, the Israelites turned to other nations for security, supplies, and support. They got caught up in the consumption of worldly passions, so much so that they spent all of their effort and time chasing after what they thought would satisfy their hearts.

Isaiah enters into this context with a voice of conviction and promise. In Isaiah 30:15, he says, "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." Israel should have heard these words and remembered what King David said when he wrote centuries earlier in Psalm 46, "Be still and know that I am God." 

There is strength in quietness. There is power in rest. When we stop, we are more prone to break free from the cycle of self-dependency and shift into a posture of humility and awe for the God who makes us sufficient (2 Cor. 3:5). 

Downshifting from a consumer-driven, fast-paced way of life allows us to deeply breathe the promise and the provision of Christ. We should aim to be a people who, because of our steadfast dependence on the Lord, praise Him for the work and for the Sabbath. We should seek to build regular rhythms in our souls that imitate the example set forth by our Creator. We should desire to establish practices that lean us back towards Jesus as we remember that while our labor is important, it is not what defines us. Our identity and our worth are not in our work but are only fulfilled in Jesus.

Let’s Pray together.

Lord God, illuminate the need for regular Sabbath in my heart. Lead me into a consistent pursuit of quietness and strength before you, the Almighty. Good and Holy Father, fill me with that which restores and recenters my soul in time, the promise of resting in the peace of a good God.
Amen.