THE PRACTICE OF SABBATH
January 11, 2025
SABBATH: Such A Gift – Who Could Refuse?
By Michael J. Ledner
“…The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” – Jesus (Mark 2:27)
Dad was Jewish, Mom was Catholic, and I was raised Catholic. Dad didn’t like religion. His parents kept Kosher and observed the Sabbath, but when he married Mom, he abandoned religious practices entirely. He was fine with Mom raising us 6 kids Catholic, but Sundays for us were more about attending Mass and then going out to play than observing a true Sabbath.
In the early 1970s, I left New York for California, and left religion behind. Two years into my journey, a friend introduced me to Jesus, and putting my faith in Him changed my life. I discovered a relationship with God that I never found in religion. I came to cherish God’s Word, which included the Sabbath commandment. I was a regular churchgoer but the sermons I heard over the years never emphasized taking a full Sabbath - a 24-hour period of stopping, resting and replenishing my soul. Instead, what I heard was, “Christians aren’t under the law...”, and "Jesus is our Sabbath, providing us with continual rest” (Hebrews 4:9). While this is true, I couldn’t shake the sense that there was something more to the Sabbath.
Fast forward 40 years: God brought Mark 2:27 to my mind—“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The word “made” stood out. When someone makes something for you, it’s a gift. I realized: if God made the Sabbath for me, why would I refuse this gift? From that moment, I committed to taking a Sabbath each week. It’s less about the specific day—Saturday, Sunday, or otherwise—and more about intentionally setting aside one day for rest. As a pastor who works Sundays, I chose to practice Sabbath on Saturday, perhaps influenced by my Jewish heritage.
My Sabbath begins on Friday evening around the dinner table. Often, it’s homemade chicken soup, Lylah’s sourdough bread and a simple salad. My wife lights a candle, says a Sabbath prayer and we’ll enjoy a relaxing meal - sometimes with friends. Saturday, with the thought of work and busyness removed, we create space for rest and renewal. I’ll play the piano, read Scripture, spend time with my wife, take a walk in nature, or simply enjoy God’s presence. I avoid social media and other distractions to soak in His peace. The process isn’t always easy—it’s a discipline, a practice. But as I press into it, peace replaces the hustle, and my soul finds healing.
Dallas Willard’s framework for Sabbath resonates with me: Relent, Rest, Rejoice, Reflect. John Mark Comer in His book Practicing The Way suggests a similar rhythm: Stop, Rest, Delight, Worship. There's no one right way. Each person/couple/family should experiment and find their own rhythm of rest. For me, taking a day to pause, is a way I honor God’s design for my body and soul. To ignore the Sabbath is to fight against how He made me. God, my Creator, knows best how I function and thrive. Choosing to trust Him in this has brought incredible blessings.
Imagine a king inviting a hardworking commoner to spend the day with him in his castle one day a week - to dine with him and enjoy his company, assuring him that his wages for that day will be covered. Refusing such an offer would seem absurd. Yet, how often do we reject God’s invitation to rest with Him one day a week? As His children, He invites to set aside work—both career and household tasks—and enjoy His provision and presence.
There are exceptions: Jesus healed on the Sabbath day, and says “doing good on the Sabbath” (i.e. labors of love, Mark 3:1-4) is acceptable. And emergencies happen, as Jesus acknowledged (getting the sheep out of the ditch on the Sabbath - Matthew 12:9-14). Grace abounds for those in challenging work situations or demanding schedules. But if Sabbath rest is important to God, He can make a way for us to honor it. Seeking His guidance opens doors to align our lives with His will.
Some may argue that keeping the Sabbath feels like legalism. But this isn’t about rules; it’s about receiving God’s gift. As Paul wrote, we’re free to see one day as special or treat every day as holy (Colossians 2:16-17). For me, choosing to rest is an act of trust. It’s a weekly reminder that God is my provider, not my efforts.
Have I practiced it perfectly? No. But after 12 years of observing the Sabbath, I’ve experienced its rewards. It feels like a foretaste of a day in the Millennial Kingdom—a day set apart to delight in God.
This gift of the Sabbath has transformed my life. Why would I refuse it? God’s loving invitation remains for all: “Enjoy this day with Me, My child. It’s My gift to you.”
