Unshaken Study - Week 3, Day 1: Genesis 2:1-3 & Matthew 11:25-30

No Dusty Bibles

In this episode, we enter Week 3 of Unshaken, shifting our focus towards balancing self-care with caring for others, starting with the fundamental concept of rest. Today, we explore Genesis 2:1-3 and Matthew 11:25-30, scriptures that highlight the divine endorsement and personal invitation to rest. In Genesis, God models rest after His work of creation, setting a precedent for its importance. In Matthew, Jesus extends a heartfelt invitation to find rest in Him, specifically targeting those burdened and weary. These passages together remind us that rest is not only a physical necessity but also a spiritual command and comfort.

Week 3, Day 1: Embracing Divine Rest

Scripture Focus:

Genesis 2:1-3

• "The heavens, the earth, and all their vast array were finished. On the seventh day God finished his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work of creation which he had done."

Matthew 11:25-30

• "At that time, Jesus answered, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight. All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.
• 'Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'"

Questions to Ponder:

1. Divine Example of Rest: Genesis 2:1-3 tells us that even God rested on the seventh day after His work of creation. How does this divine example of rest influence your views on the need for rest in your own life, especially when dealing with health challenges?
2. Spiritual Rest and Rejuvenation: In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to come to Him to find rest. Reflect on a time when you turned to spiritual practices (like prayer or reading scripture) for rest and rejuvenation. How did this spiritual rest impact your physical and emotional state?
3. Exchanging Burdens: Consider the yoke that Jesus talks about in Matthew 11:29-30. How can exchanging your burdens for Christ’s yoke help you find rest in the midst of health challenges? What does taking His yoke upon you imply in your daily life?
4. Balancing Rest and Activity: Discuss the balance between resting and remaining active in managing your health. How can you implement rest as a regular part of your health regimen without feeling guilty or neglectful of your responsibilities?
5. Embracing an Easy Yoke: Reflect on the statement, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." How can embracing this truth change your approach to rest, particularly in times of stress or illness? How might this perspective alleviate feelings of overwhelm or fatigue in caring for yourself and others?

Conclusion:

Join us as we explore the importance of rest through the lenses of Genesis 2:1-3 and Matthew 11:25-30. Discover how embracing divine rest can provide physical, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation, especially when balancing self-care with the care of others. Let’s learn to find rest for our souls in God’s loving presence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Order Unshaken: Faith-Filled Responses to Health Challenges

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In our daily readings, we are grateful to utilize the World English Bible (WEB) translation, a resource committed to making the words of Scripture accessible to all. The WEB is in the public domain, allowing it to be freely used and shared. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the contributors and supporters of the World English Bible for their dedication to making this valuable translation available to the public. Their work enables us to explore and share the Bible's teachings with everyone, furthering our mission to make the Bible accessible and available for every woman.