3 Day Bible Reading Plan - “Creation and Rest”
“The Sabbath reminds us to entrust our futures to God. Maybe we won’t harvest enough of our crops. Or maybe it’ll rain before we can get the roof built on our new house. Or maybe we’ll be attacked before we’re prepared to defend ourselves. But whether or not that happens isn’t ultimately in our hands. God can preserve our crops, hold back the storm, and restrain our enemies. If we’re in His hands, we do have the freedom to rest.” - Pastor Jacob Hawley, 6/22/25
Day 1
Featured Verse: Exodus 20:11 - “The LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
What does the concept of God "resting" on the seventh day reveal about the nature of divine work and the relationship between God’s activity and human rest?
How might the blessing and sanctification of the Sabbath day in this verse reflect God’s intentions for human flourishing and community?
How does the connection between God’s creative process and the institution of the Sabbath in this verse influence Christian perspectives on time, rest, and the rhythm of life?
Pause and Reflect: Heavenly Father, I thank You for creating the heavens and the earth and setting apart the Sabbath as holy. Help me to honor Your example by finding peace and renewal in Your presence through this day of rest.
“God rested on the seventh day, and therefore he has blessed it, and made it holy; and he would have his people rest, that they may sanctify the day unto him. This divine example of ceasing from labor teaches us to pause from our worldly toils and to seek refreshment in communion with our Creator. By observing the Sabbath, we acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty over time and His gracious provision for our souls’ renewal.” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 2
Featured Verse: Matthew 11:28-29 - “I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
What does Jesus’ call to “come to me” for those who “labor and are heavy laden” reveal about the nature of divine compassion and the accessibility of His rest to all people?
How does the imagery of taking Jesus’ “yoke” in verse 29 inform our understanding of the relationship between submission to Christ and the experience of spiritual rest?
In what ways does Jesus’ self-description as “gentle and lowly in heart” shape our theological perspective on His divine humility and its implications for human burdens?
Pause and Reflect: Lord Jesus, I come to You weary and heavy laden, seeking the rest You graciously promise to all who trust in You. Teach me to take Your yoke upon me and learn from Your gentle and lowly heart, that my soul may find true peace in Your presence.
“The rest that Christ gives is not idleness, but the peace of a soul aligned with his will, yoked to his service, and taught by his example.” - Alexander Maclaren
“This is the promise of Christ to all that come unto him: not a rest from labor, but a rest in labor; a rest which the soul enjoys in the midst of its service, by being conformed to his meek and lowly heart.” - John Wesley
Day 3
Featured Verse: Psalm 91:1 (NIV) - “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
In what ways does the promise of rest in this verse reflect God’s character as a refuge, and how might this influence Christian approaches to fear and uncertainty?
In what ways does dwelling in God’s shelter as a place of rest reflect the transformative nature of God’s presence, and how might this shape a believer’s approach to seeking peace amidst life’s challenges?
How might the theological concept of rest in Psalm 91:1 connect to New Testament teachings about finding peace in Christ, and what does this suggest about continuity in God’s promises?
Pause and Reflect: Lord God, I seek to dwell in the shelter of Your presence, finding rest in the shadow of Your almighty care. Grant me the faith to abide in Your refuge, trusting Your protection to bring peace to my heart and soul.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God. Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence. Such constant abiding yields a rest that no storm can disturb, for it is anchored in the eternal embrace of the Almighty.” - Charles Spurgeon
“The faithful, by dwelling under the shadow of God, are defended by his power, as if they were in a fortified place. The expression, ‘He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High,’ signifies that those who trust in God shall find rest and security, being sheltered by his omnipotent care.” - John Calvin