for His glory and our benefit

Ezekiel 20-21, Hebrews 5

I think the following passage is one of the most concise summaries of the Old Testament and God's interaction with the nation of Israel.  I also think it contains two very important concepts: 1) that God cares about the communication of His character, and 2) that He cares about our welfare.

^20:4 "Son of man, bring charges against them and condemn them. Make them realize how detestable the sins of their ancestors really were. ⁵ Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: When I chose Israel—when I revealed myself to the descendants of Jacob in Egypt—I took a solemn oath that I, the Lord, would be their God. ⁶ I took a solemn oath that day that I would bring them out of Egypt to a land I had discovered and explored for them—a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey, the best of all lands anywhere. ⁷ Then I said to them, 'Each of you, get rid of the vile images you are so obsessed with. Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt, for I am the Lord your God.'

 ⁸ "But they rebelled against me and would not listen. They did not get rid of the vile images they were obsessed with, or forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I threatened to pour out my fury on them to satisfy my anger while they were still in Egypt. ⁹ But I didn't do it, for I acted to protect the honor of my name. I would not allow shame to be brought on my name among the surrounding nations who saw me reveal myself by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. ¹⁰ So I brought them out of Egypt and led them into the wilderness. ¹¹ There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them. ¹² And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy.

It is especially interesting to me that God instituted the Sabbath days of rest as a sign of His covenant and their holiness objective.  I wonder, as Christians not bound by the law, is the observance of a "weekly day of rest" still a sign of our covenant and holiness with God?

Heavenly Father, I need you. I am so weak and easily distracted like the Israelites.  I am sure that there is plenty of spiritual garbage in my life that makes you sick that I am not even aware of yet because you are being patient with me.  Lord, please turn my heart to you, and don't let me harden my heart like the Israelites did.  Lord, please help me stay connected to you and your life through Jesus Christ, my High Priest.  I ask in the name of Jesus and for the honor of your name.  Amen.