Disciples RIP, Part 1

“Disciples, rest in peace." Huh? No, I’m not wishing death on anyone! What I mean is this: disciples should not feel guilty about taking time away to rest, or spending a day enjoying life with a spouse, children, or close friends. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s discipleship in action. God designed the Sabbath to be a gift, not a grind. Keeping a Sabbath mindset reminds us that our identity is rooted in Christ, not performance or productivity.

Rest is holy. Couples who rest together grow stronger.

The great Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength… it is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.”Spurgeon’s words remind us that Sabbath isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about fueling our souls to follow Christ more fully.

So how does this apply to disciples of Jesus in the 21st century? While we may not follow the Old Testament Sabbath laws, the principle remains essential for our formation and faith. Sabbath is both a practice and a posture.

• Set a rhythm of rest. Choose a day each week to step away from ordinary work. This is a declaration of trust that God is in control, not us.

• Worship and the Word. Gather with God’s people to praise Him and hear Scripture. Pair this with personal time in prayer and reflection.

• Cease striving. Close the laptop, silence the phone, and resist the urge to chase productivity. Let the day remind you that your worth is not in what you do.

• Delight in God’s gifts. Enjoy meals, family, friendships, and nature. Sabbath is not only about stopping but also about celebrating.

• Serve in love. Jesus modeled acts of mercy on the Sabbath. Use the day to bless others in simple, meaningful ways.

• Be still. Allow quiet to make space for God’s voice. Sabbath creates margin in a noisy world.

What does taking a Sabbath look like in your life?

Chasing the Kingdom with You.

Jeff

www.hearandobey.com