The Third Commandment

What’s your favorite day of the week?

At first, this command sounds like it’s about taking a day off. And in a busy world, that actually sounds pretty appealing.

But while this commandment certainly does include physical rest, we need that, this commandment also goes deeper than physical rest. It teaches us that we should not despise preaching and God’s Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

So this commandment is not mainly about stopping work.

It’s about receiving God’s gifts.

In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a day set apart. A rhythm built into life that served as a reminder that their well-being didn’t depend on human effort.

That hasn’t changed.

We still live as if everything depends on us. Our schedules fill up. Our minds keep running. Even when we slow down physically, it’s hard to be still.

And sometimes, the first thing to go is time in God’s Word.

This doesn’t usually happen on purpose. You don’t say to yourself, “I’m not reading the Bible or going to church anymore.” You just slowly, quietly, let it get pushed aside by more “urgent” things.

That’s where this commandment speaks clearly.

Not as a burden, but as a correction, as something good for you.

You were not created to run nonstop. You were created to live from what God gives. And the primary place He gives is His Word.

That’s why gathering for worship matters. That’s why opening Scripture matters. That’s why even a few minutes of devotion like this matters.

Because God is speaking.

• He is reminding you who you are.
• He is forgiving your sins.
• He is strengthening your faith.

And that kind of rest is different.

It’s not just a break from work. It’s being grounded again in Christ and His promises.

In Jesus, the deepest rest has already been won. He has finished the work of your salvation. There is nothing left for you to earn, prove, or accomplish before God.

So you can rest.

So, go ahead…this week set aside that time to rest.

• Rest your body from work.
• Rest your mind from worry.
• Rest your spirit in God’s promises.

Rest in God’s Word.

Let’s pray…

Lord God,

Forgive me for the times I have neglected Your Word or treated it as unimportant. Draw me back to it. Give me a desire to hear and learn it, and through it give me true rest in Christ.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.