file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940914.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                          Wed., September 14, 1994
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READ: Exodus 31:12-18


                         "TAKE A DAY TO REST"

                    "The Sabbath was made for man, 
                     and not man for the Sabbath."

                             Mark 2:27

An important part of the fourth commandment is God's instruction 
to work (Ex. 20:9), a point often missed. Legitimate work 
glorifies God and has eternal signi- ficance (Eph. 6:5-8) if done 
in balance with appropriate rest. That's the underlying truth of 
this commandment. 

Effective and God-honoring labor is impossible without rest. 
That's why God ordained a rhythm of work and rest based on His 
actions during the 7 days of creation (Ex. 31:17). When we tamper 
with this pattern, we get in trouble. During the French Revolution 
when the 7-day week was lengthened to a 10-day week, even the 
horses got sick. Without renewal, the body breaks down. 

But there's a deeper spiritual significance to observing a day of 
rest. While we must avoid all legalistic attitudes and practices 
regarding it (Rom. 14:5-6), we need a regular time to reflect on 
our relationship with God -- a rest not merely for physical 
renewal but for spiritual renewal. We must ponder what Christ has 
done for us on the cross and experience the rest that comes by 
trusting completely in His finished work (Heb. 3-4). 

Do we need to take a new look at this old commandment about God's 
rest day?

- Dennis J. DeHaan

When we take time for fun and play,
For rest along life's busy way,
And when we pause to kneel and pray --
We'll be renewed from day to day.

- DJD

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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Our rest day gives meaning to the rest of the week. 

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 12-14

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible 
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