The Priority of Rest in God’s Presence

 EXODUS - Sabbath School - Lesson 13 - Sunday Commentary

“The Priority of Rest in God’s Presence”

Exodus 35:1–3

Before Moses gave the instructions for the building of the sanctuary, he began with a reminder that may seem surprising: “Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord.” (Exod. 35:2, NKJV). One might expect that building God’s dwelling place would override everything else. After all, what could be more important than preparing a holy space for the Lord? Yet God made it clear that even the sacred work of constructing His sanctuary could not replace the sacred time He set apart for fellowship with His people.

The truth reiterated here is that the Sabbath is not just about stopping work—it is about remembering who is in control. Israel might have felt an urgency to finish the tabernacle quickly, but God reminded them that their relationship with Him could not be built on endless labor, even labor done in His name. The Sabbath was a gift, a weekly rhythm of trust, teaching them to rest in His presence and depend on His provision.

This principle still speaks to us today. In our busy lives, even when we are engaged in ministry or service for God, there is the temptation to think that productivity defines our faithfulness. But God calls us to pause, to step away from the work—even His work—and rest in Him. It is in that rest that our souls are refreshed, our hearts are refocused, and our relationship with Him deepens.

The building of the sanctuary teaches us that God’s presence is not achieved by human hands but received by surrendered hearts. When we honor His command to rest, we declare that He is Lord not only of our work but also of our time. True worship begins not with what we do for God, but with trusting who God is.

God is the Creator, and the Sabbath is His memorial (Gen. 1:1; 2:2–3; Exod. 20:8–11).

The Messiah, the promised Seed, brings victory over Satan and evil.

God’s kingdom will be established, with the Sabbath as a foretaste.

Salvation is by God’s grace alone; He is Savior and Redeemer.

God is the Judge, granting eternal life to His followers and no future to those who reject Him.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember that my worth is not measured by my work, even in service to You. Teach me to rest in Your presence, to honor the time You have set apart, and to let my life be shaped by trust in Your timing and provision. Amen.

More: The Tabernacle - Lesson 13 - EXODUS

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