Matt Nelson - November 12, 2023
Part 6: Slowing
STREAMS IN THE DESERT Slowing 11.12.23 Genesis 1:31-2:3 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. God establishes a creation rhythm for life. If creation is the INHALE then rest is the EXHALE. Exodus 5:17-18 17 Pharaoh said, “Lazy, that’s what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ 18 Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks.” Pharaoh’s system: System of restlessness and anxiety System of acquisition and pursuit of more System that abuses others for gain System that is never satisfied or content Yahweh’s system: System of work and Sabbath System of trust and faith System that elevates love to the highest quality System that brings true peace Sabbath is countercultural. Sabbath marks our identity as God’s people. Sabbath is an act of resistance. Have no other God’s before me Do not make any images or idols Don’t misuse the name of the Lord Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy Sabbath is intentionally slowing our lives in order to give our attention to Christ and allow the Spirit to transform us and renew us. Mark 2:27-28 27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” The Sabbath is a gift that God has given you, not to limit you, but to give you life and freedom. How do implement slowing and Sabbath rhythms into our lives? Sabbath moments every day. Sabbath day/time every week. Sabbath withdrawal every year.