The Sabbath

At Jonahville, our Pastor has designated Monday as his Sabbath. On this day, he respectfully asks that we refrain from scheduling meetings or engaging him in church activities, allowing space for renewal and rest. As a minister of Jonahville, I honor that request and will not busy myself with church matters unless they are of utmost importance.

The Biblical Significance of the Sabbath

The Sabbath is not merely a tradition, but a divine principle rooted in God’s Word. From the very beginning, we see in Genesis 2:2–3:

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 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 Himself modeled rest, not because He was weary, but to set apart time for reflection, holiness, and renewal.

In Exodus 20:8–10, we are commanded:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

Jesus also reminded us in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” This reveals that the Sabbath is God’s gift to us — a time to restore our bodies, refresh our spirits, and draw closer to Him.

Reflection

Honoring the Sabbath is an act of compassion — toward ourselves, our leaders, and one another. When we allow Pastor to rest on Mondays, we are showing love, respect, and obedience to God’s design for Sabbath. Ministry is demanding, and as much as our Pastor pours into us, he too needs a sacred pause to hear from God, to be replenished, and to care for his own soul.

As members of Jonahville, let us also reflect on how we can honor the Sabbath in our personal lives. Perhaps it’s setting aside time for family worship, stepping away from constant busyness, or simply resting in the presence of God. The Sabbath invites us to trust God enough to pause, knowing that the world will not fall apart when we stop working — because He is in control.

Closing Thought

Let us embrace the words of Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

As we honor our Pastor’s Sabbath on Mondays, let us also seek our own Sabbath rest in Christ. In doing so, we strengthen our body, spirit, and community, reflecting the rhythm of grace God has designed for His people.