Every week you’ll find different types of posts here on the ABS blog. Today’s post is for teachers, to encourage conversation and reflection in your Bible study group. Each “Let’s Talk About” activity can be used at any time during your meeting and lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.

Today, let's talk about..

TIME TO REFRESH

Exodus 23:12

Do your work in six days. But on the seventh day you should rest so that your ox and donkey may rest, and even the child of your female slave and the immigrant may be refreshed. —Exodus 23:12

Commentary:

At Creation, God rested on the seventh day. Likewise, all humans are meant to follow that example of working, resting, and worshiping God. Rest was so important to God, that God mandated farmers allow their fields to go fallow (unplanted) every seventh year. God knew that even the earth needed rest.

Rest is important because it refreshes or renews us so that we can return to our work. Rest is not just about sleeping. Rest offers the body, mind, and spirit time to reflect, recharge, and prepare to face another day, another week, or another season.

Questions to discuss:

Notice the number of days designated for work versus rest. What can we learn from God’s example?

How might exploring God’s creation help you find rest?

What are some ways to rest and refresh that do not involve sleep? (prayer, meditation, sitting quietly in a beautiful place)

How will you make time for rest?