What Does That Look Like?

You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath. [Exodus 35.3]

Being at a latitude of roughly 30 degrees N, the environmental climate in which the mandate above was made is worthy of consideration. Summer temperatures in the Sinai Peninsula region typically reach the mid 90's and winter temperatures drop to the mid 50's.

It is reasonable to think that with a few extra clothes or layers of bedding, the Israelites could easily survive their 'heat-less' Sabbath in the area where the law was given.

Then, as Israel made their way to the Promised Land, there would have been a slight drop in average temperatures, but not so much that a 'few more layers' could not overcome.

Understanding this however should give an idea that by having "no fire" on their unique Sabbath Day, Israel would certainly look different than other people who did not observe the Sabbath.

Mind you, the Sabbath Day was not instituted until after Israel departed from Egypt (slavery).

The Sabbath not only said they observed a different way of living, but also said they could observe a different way of living. In other words, they were no longer slaves and were free to live as they deemed necessary (in worship of and obedience to God).

Apart from the spiritual application that the Sabbath reminded Israel of God's miraculous provision very seven days, thus allowing Israel to rest, it also made an undeniable social and cultural statement. And, this is what strikes me today...

What do we 'do' as modern-day believers in God that sets us apart from the social and cultural environment of our world? Do we work differently? No. do we heat our homes differently? No. Do we do anything that sets us apart from the general population of the world? Well, most God-followers go to church -  and that's at least a good start.

I think the lesson for me is that it is not wrong to stand out as a believer in Jesus. I will go further to say it is desirable and right to stand out for our faith. What does that look like?

Good question. What does that look like?

Father, I want my life to show the world that something is different with me. I want the world to see that the Christian life is a life of rest and provision - exactly what the Sabbath displayed.