Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 21st September 2025

Rev Daniel Poon

The Sabbath is not merely a rule or religious obligation—it is a divine gift from God, designed to restore, remind, and renew us. Many people misunderstand the Sabbath as a restriction on freedom, but in truth, it is a pathway to liberation. As Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). This statement captures the heart of the Sabbath: it was created for our benefit, not as a burden.

The central question is not how to keep the Sabbath, but why God gave it to us. Scripture offers profound insights into this purpose. In Genesis 2:2–3, God rested on the seventh day and made it holy—not because He was tired, but to establish a rhythm for humanity. Exodus 20:8–11 commands us to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy,” affirming God as our Creator.

Deuteronomy 5:15 reminds us that we were once slaves in Egypt, and the Sabbath is a declaration of our freedom. In Matthew 11:28–29, Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest, and Hebrews 4:9–11 confirms that a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people.

There are three key reasons why we need the Sabbath:

The Sabbath restores our body, soul, and relationships.

The Sabbath is not about doing nothing—it’s about intentional rest and renewal. It’s a time to heal, refocus, and reconnect. Science supports this need: rest lowers stress hormones, improves heart health, enhances memory, and sharpens decision-making. It’s essential for our well-being.

A modern example is Charlie Kirk, a young Christian leader who practices Sabbath by turning off his phone from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. He spends time with God and his family, finding joy and clarity. His book, Stop, in the Name of God, encourages others to embrace this rhythm and be renewed.

The Sabbath is not outdated—it’s a timeless gift. It invites us to pause, reflect, and realign with God’s design. As we consider our own lives, we might ask: Am I too busy to stop and encounter God? Do I measure my worth by what I do, or by who I am in Christ? Have I set apart time to rest, worship, and connect with my family?

Let us pray: “Lord, thank You for the Sabbath. Thank You that I am Your child. Teach me to stop and trust You.”

The Sabbath reminds us who God is.

When we rest, we acknowledge that God is in control. He created the world and then rested—not out of fatigue, but to model a divine rhythm. Observing the Sabbath is a declaration of trust: “God is in control, not me.” It’s a weekly reminder that our lives are sustained by His power, not our own striving.

The Sabbath reminds us who we are.

The Israelites were once slaves, forced to work without rest. God gave them the Sabbath to remind them of their identity: “You are free. You are My people.” Today, we too need to remember that we are not defined by our productivity, wealth, or others’ approval. We are children of God. The Sabbath allows us to stop without fear, resting in the truth of who we are in Christ.