Do Nothing – June 3, 2024

“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male or female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”
Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Do Nothing

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Brush your teeth. Do your homework and practice piano. Make your lunch. Pack your backpack and gym bag. Clean your room. Pick up your toys.

Ugh! There is so much work that needs to be done! Families are busy with sports, school, music, going to work, and doing chores. It never ends!

If your life is busy, it might be strange to hear God tell his Old Testament believers not to be busy at least one day a week. God commanded his people to keep the Sabbath, which means they were not to forget to take a day off to rest. But sometimes we forget to do things because we get busy doing other things.

God didn’t want his people to forget that the most important gift in their lives was having a relationship with him. Four times, he reminds them that he was the Lord their God. He didn’t want the busyness of life to get in the way of the relationship that he had with his people and his people had with him. The Lord commanded them not to do any work for one day of the week. That way, they could focus on him, his love for them, and his promises that give true rest for souls.

God knows that resting is good for our bodies and minds. In a world that can be so busy, it is good to hear and take to heart that God is pleased when we take time not to do much but to be quiet and rest. So put down your phone! Get away from that screen! Take time to smell a flower or look at the brilliant colors of a fly’s wing (especially on the backdrop of black paper!) Stop and marvel at the Creator’s creation and praise him for the gifts surrounding you. Take time to listen to the sounds that can be heard in your little corner of the world. Take time to listen to God’s Word that promises Jesus has forgiven you and loves you. Take time to do nothing but rest with God and others who believe.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, teach us to be quiet so our thoughts can focus on you and the love you have for us. Help us to slow down so we can see the beauty of your creation and hear the message of forgiveness in your word. We praise you for being the God who gives us true rest. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What was the name for the day God wanted Old Testament believers to take as a day of rest?
• What do you like about worshiping with your family at church or at home?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Try to picture Jesus giving you rest. What comes to mind?
• What promise(s) does Jesus give to you that brings rest to your mind and heart?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why can it be unhealthy for individuals and families to be overly busy?
• As New Testament believers, we can worship any and every day. Why is Sunday usually the day on which most people worship?