"You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day." Deut 5:15; "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God." Hebrews 4:9

The Sabbath is a experiential reminder of the FREEDOM we experience from bondage to sin. In the above passage, Moses explicitly connects the celebration of Shabbat with deliverance from slavery. Isaiah 61:1 beautifully expresses Jesus's saving work bringing good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives, and opening the prison to those who are bound, a wonderful message of deliverance and freedom. As such, Shabbat is truly a holiday (Holy Day) set apart as a permanent and regular remembrance of the unchangeable reality that the Messiah has freed us from bondage and given us rest from our works. Brothers & Sisters, in this light, each Shabbat is like a mini-Passover celebration. Do you remember what life was like when you were a "slave in Egypt"? This (and every) Shabbat, take a moment to appreciate, even inwardly celebrate, the freedom Jesus has provided through His death and resurrection. All the cares of this world pale in the glorious light of our eternal freedom in Him. Be blessed, Shalom! RESTING IN YOUR FREEDOM!