Shabbat Shalom

SHABBAT SHALOM

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” – Psalms‬ ‭103:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Shabbat Shalom” is a common greeting shared by both Jews and Messianic believers. The words mean “Sabbath Peace.”  From sundown Friday evening until sundown Saturday evening, the 24 hours of the Sabbath are dedicated to rest, spending time in prayer and ceasing from the toil of life, to enjoy the gracious provision of God.

As believers in Jesus as our Messiah, we can know not only rest from our physical labor to earn our provision, but we can know rest from striving to earn the approval and acceptance of God.

When on the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.”  His work on Earth in His physical body was completed, and the sacrifice of His sinless life as a substitute for ours, left our sins covered by the blood.

The Lord remembers how we are made.  No more does our approval depend upon our works or the sacrifice of an unblemished animal, but the magnitude of the work of the cross purchased salvation once and for all for those who believe.

When we honor the Sabbath in rest, we declare, once again, our trust in God to provide every need, and we acknowledge the new covenant that was signed with blood.  We can know “Shalom”—peace with Almighty God, because the veil that separated mankind from ABBA Father was torn.

We choose to rest, not from legalism, because Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.  Instead, we choose to rest out of joy, as a declaration of His faithfulness to provide and a celebration of peace with God through Christ Jesus.

This Friday night, when you finish your week of labor and feel the weight of the week lifted off of your shoulders, remember that a far greater weight was lifted off of mankind’s shoulders on another Friday many years ago.

Shabbat Shalom, my friends.  May you know rest and peace with God.

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