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Out of Rhythm, Part 2

May 3, 2026    Jason Stockton

This powerful message invites us into a radical rethinking of rhythm in our spiritual lives, centering on the often-overlooked fourth commandment: Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. We're challenged to examine whether we've turned our faith into a selective buffet, embracing nine commandments while conveniently ignoring the one that calls us to rest. The message draws from Exodus 20 and reveals something profound: God is a God of firsts. He wants our first minute, our first day, our first dollar—not our leftovers. The teaching explores how we constantly ask ourselves haunting questions: Am I enough? Am I loved? Am I safe? Am I important? These questions drive us to live out of rhythm, always searching for answers in our careers, relationships, and achievements. But Jesus offers something different in Matthew 11:28-30—He invites those who labor and are heavy laden to come and find rest. His yoke, His teachings, are light and give rest to our souls. The Jewish understanding of Sabbath comes alive as we learn about dancing in the streets, guilt-free celebration, and the biblical command for the land itself to rest every seventh year. When Israel ignored this for 70 Sabbath years, they found themselves in Babylon—forced to rest, but in captivity. The application is clear: if we don't choose rest, our bodies will force it through burnout and illness. We're given permission to live one guilt-free day each week—to rest, to delight, and to contemplate God without the weight of productivity.