Genesis 2:1-3

 “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the 7th day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the 7th day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the 7th day and made it holy because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”

 

Context

Rest was not optional to the Creator of the universe. Rest was the fitting response to completing his work of creation. For six days he had made the heavens and the earth. He created them ex nihilo (‘out of nothing’). Notice that “In the beginning” the Creator’s plan was to have rest. He respected boundaries between exertion and rest. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy. He not only rested, but was refreshed (Exodus 31:7). Perhaps all creation was celebrating this wonder of a new heavens and earth.

 

Questions for reflection

  1. What has rest looked like in your life over the past month?
  2. Why does the Creator bless the seventh day as holy?
  3. How might you rest during this week’s celebration of Independence Day?
  4. What is one way your rest can refresh your soul?

 

Prayer Pointers

  • Pray for each person to experience rest and play during our RF Getaway (Aug 29-Sept 1)
  • Pray for the Lord to prepare your heart and soul for the RF Getaway