We begin a NEW sermon series entitled “It’s time to REST”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Brian Dickson.

Sermon Notes

What is rest to you?

The ability to sleep well? Gaining a few extra hours in bed? A well-earned day off from work? Time alone without the kids? Quality time with your spouse or time in isolation and contemplation? Throughout this series, my prayer is that we will all truly understand the importance and divine mandate to not only rest but to rest well. This series will help us find intentionality and purpose in divine rest that comes from God.

“I never realized the many facets of peace and rest available when you lay yourself down on purpose.”

Saundra Dalton-Smith,
Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, First edition (New York: Faith Words, 2017).

Context of Psalm 127

• A wisdom Psalm and the eighth song of ascent
• Most Scholars believe the Psalms of ascent referred to the journey the Israelites would undertake in travelling to the temple. The Temple in Jerusalem was positioned on a hill. Others suggest it may have been the ascent back to Jerusalem from exile.
• One of only two Psalms attributed to King Solomon (the other is Ps 72)
• The Psalm is broken down into two poetic themes
  • 1) Lessons about the effectiveness of our work and endeavours (v1-2)
  • 2) The value of what is most important in life which brings glory to God. (v3-5)

The danger of being Busy in vain – v1-2

“Can you be 100 per cent honest with yourself? How is your maxed-out, stressed-out, multitasking life working for you? Is all your activity getting the results you desire?”

Dalton-Smith, p. 15.

• Vanity = an excessive pride or admiration of one’s own appearance, achievements, or work.
• Whatever we have built or are currently building in life God must be central to the foundation.
• The psalmist is implying that life lived apart from God is not worth living. A view that this psalm shares with the Book of Ecclesiastes.
• Verse 2 hits home for so many across the world. We rise early to go and earn a living and attack the day to get all those chores done, but without the addition of divine rest from God, our labour may be in vain.

Challenge – Are you ready to replace the stress of intense living with the peace of intentional rest? It’s time to identify those areas in our lives that are draining our reservoirs. God desires to give his beloved sleep.

The efficiency of a balanced life – v3-5

“Gratitude floods me. I see the qualities in my kids I’ve hoped for… I’m laying down responsibilities that were no longer mine to carry… Thankful for the bumps and bruises leading us to a better balance.”

Dalton-Smith, p. 26.

• In contrast to futile work without God at the centre, the psalmist focuses on the blessings of what really matters, FAMILY.
• Whether spending quality time with your children, spouse, family, church family or friends it’s important to make time for the ones we love and cherish.
• In ancient times, having many children was regarded as a symbol of strength.
• The gate was the place where the elders of the city met and where citizens would convene (See Ruth 4:1-12)

Challenge – Life can be extremely demanding of our time and energy, and finding the balance between our work and family lives can be difficult. May we endeavour to always strive towards a greater sense of balance in life to ensure we enjoy the blessings of our loved ones and friends.