Belinda Eber has been teaching a class on the Ten Commandments and we spent two Sundays on the 4th Commandment, which is “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy!” Exodus 20:8. I can’t include all we talked about, but one of the ideas I took away is that God gives us a day of rest, a day to focus on worship on Him, and a day to reflect on what is important in our lives. Obviously, our focus on worship must take priority, but the other two are important as well. The Sabbath, which in the Jewish tradition is Saturday, has for Christians become Sunday, or the Lord’s Day, as a remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday. Some folks like to think they can disengage the Sabbath from Sunday because they want a dedicated DAY OF REST, from everything, including worship, OR they want to make Sunday as their Sabbath a day they also can focus on recreational activities or jobs around the house. In many instances, worship is one of the first things to dispense with on these days. However, God understands what mankind needs and therefore gives us this blessed day to reflect on Him, and through Him, on our lives, our relationships, and our families. Additionally, it is through this reflection that we receive the essential rest and peace that only God can provide when we know to whom we belong and who is giving us the comfort and security of His presence. Everyday should be a time when we worship God and “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) so that we can hear God’s plan for our lives. Understanding God’s plan is essential to finding rest, which is given to us specifically in the Sabbath. Therefore, give this day over to God, and understand that even at times like watching the Steelers or spending the day with family we can rest in the Sabbath, because we are resting in God. Gathering together as Christians is another, and essential, way we are in community to not only hear God’s will but to glorify Him for all that He has done in our lives. Remember, we are not in a strait-jacket on the Sabbath, but in a comfortable robe that gives us freedom, but calls us to glorify the One in which we find rest and peace, to which we give praise and glory, and faith, hope, and love! That is the Sabbath that has been made for us!
In the Love of God in Christ, Pastor Bob
