Counsel #13 — Sabbath Shows God’s Kindness

Picture: Counsel #13 — Sabbath Shows God’s KindnessCCW 90.1

The Sabbath isn't only about connecting with God; it's also a gift of kindness from Him. It's like hitting the pause button on a crazy busy life and taking a deep breath. God designed the Sabbath so we could recharge our batteries and get to know Him better. It's a break for our bodies and minds, a chance to relax and reflect. God even wants to make us holy as He is holy through the relational experience of honoring His Sabbath.^{[131]Ezekiel 20:12, 20}CCW 90.2

But God's kindness doesn't stop with us humans. He even thought about the animals! In Exodus 23:12, God tells us to let our animals rest on the Sabbath too. It's like He's saying, "I care about everything I have made in Creation.” That's just the beginning of the kindness of the God who wants us all to experience the peace and renewal of the Sabbath.^{[132]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/gods-sabbath-stamp/}CCW 90.3

“Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.” Exodus 23:12 NKVCCW 90.4

“The Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy…. To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ’s creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight.” Ellen White in Humble Hero, p. 128, 129CCW 90.5

Reflect: What insights about God can you gain from the fact that He extends His kindness to both humans and animals?CCW 90.6