Sabbath Discussion

The LORD then gave these instructions to Moses: “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’” [Exodus 31.12-17]

The Sabbath has been a source of questions for many for a long time. And, it well should be based on the attention it is given by God. Mankind owes it to God to be certain about this commandment of observing the Sabbath.

We should ask ourselves some questions about the Sabbath and have conviction in our answers. Here are my questions and answers based on my conviction:

What is the Sabbath day? According to the scripture above, it is a complete day of rest - a holy day dedicated to the LORD.

When is the Sabbath? The Sabbath is the seventh day - the end of the week.

Why a Sabbath? From the beginning God modeled a weekly pattern of rest for His people. It was a practical practice, but also an identifying practice.

Who is the Sabbath for? In the strictest sense, the Sabbath was for the people of Israel. As stated above, it was an indicator of a unique identity between Israel and God.

There are my answers. I am at peace with these answers and at peace with the fact that I am not a Jew. Furthermore, I am satisfied that my 'identifier' today is not a day, but a person - Jesus Christ.

In further consideration, I believe the fact that observation of the Sabbath is included in the Ten Commandments is proof-positive that God fully intends for us to intentionally enter His rest. I am further compelled by Jesus however to intentionally live 'at rest' in Him seven days a week and not just one. 

This all being said, I have no quarrel with those who meet and worship on the Sabbath. I fully support the work of the Holy Spirit in their convictions. I believe there is much to be learned on both sides of the Sabbath argument! The worst thing any of us can do is give the Sabbath no thought whatsoever!

Father, help me - help us all - to have a correct understanding of the Sabbath and how it pertains to New Testament non-Jewish believers (or even Jews for that matter). Help us all to take a good look at Your mandate to observe a day of rest. Help us to understand that the Sabbath is for man and not the other way around.