Embracing Rest and Encouragement: The Essence of Sabbath in the Body of Christ
In the journey of faith, understanding the position we’ve been given in the body of Christ is incredible! When we recognize that he has grafted us into His body, becoming His members, a profound shift occurs. We realize that we’re no longer self-directed, but led by the Holy Spirit. This transition is not just theological; it permeates our very way of life, rooted in the weekly reminder of rest, ceasing from work, and trusting in the Lord for provision.

The New Covenant: A Call to True Rest
Under the new covenant, our approach to the sabbath undergoes a radical change. We are no longer judges or law-makers dictating the observance of this day. Instead, we become joyful practitioners of rest. This rest is not passive; it’s an active surrender to God’s work in us through the finished work of Jesus, and it’s application in us by his Spirit. So we gather weekly, as a time for growth in grace, wisdom, and maturity in Christ. This understanding of rest challenges us to see the morality of sabbath keeping not as a mere day off but as a new way of life in the finished work of Christ!

Stirring Up Love and Good Works
The encouragement to stir up one another to love and good works, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24-25, underscores the regular, communal aspect of our faith. It’s in gathering together that we find the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged. This isn’t about idle chatter or the mundane but about meaningful engagement that fosters spiritual growth and communal bonds. Our gatherings are not just social meetings; they are spiritual lifelines that remind us of the rest and redemption purchased for us at a great cost, the willing death of Jesus!

The Challenge of Maintaining Sacred Space
However, maintaining the sacredness of regularly gathering is increasingly challenging in such a busy day. If our times together are consumed with worldly concerns, we risk treating the Lord’s day like any other, leading to spiritual apathy over generations. Recognizing this day as a gift rather than an obligation can reorient our hearts toward joy in the Lord, gratitude for what He’s done through Jesus, and who we are now because of that. We’re no longer fumbling around in the dark but freed by Christ to see that he is still the Lord of the sabbath. It’s about embracing a rhythm of life that prioritizes a holy dependence on him and the blessing of being planted in a community. There’s a profound impact of regular, intentional fellowship on our spiritual vitality. Yet we don’t do this to earn anything from God. Jesus has perfectly satisfied the requirements for us, so now we are free to work from a place of rest, rather than working to earn a rest.

Confession and Community: The Path to Encouragement
Confession plays a crucial role in growing up into maturity, while also making space for genuine encouragement. It requires relational intimacy and trust, allowing for encouragement that is both substantial and specific to our spiritual needs. This type of encouragement, flowing out from the gospel (the good news!), speaks powerfully into our lives, reminding us of Christ’s finished work and its implications for our everyday struggles. To live this out though, we actually need to come together, to walk the journey of life and faith together, to build one another up, spurring one another on to faith and good work. It takes confession of self-sufficiency, receiving the preached truth of Christ, and then confession of who he really is, what he’s really done, and who we now are as a result. Transplanted from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light!!!!

Embracing God’s Pattern for Community
God has provided us with a beautiful pattern for community and a rhythm of life that includes setting aside one day in seven for worship and edification. Dismissing this pattern as outdated or irrelevant misses the point entirely. It’s about recognizing the value of this divine institution for our joy and spiritual growth.

As members of Christ’s body, we are freed by Jesus to truly rest. Like the Psalmist says: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11