The Christian Sabbath
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:8
Today's Bible Reading: Exodus 16:16–30.
When a Bible scholar visited a theological college, he was surprised to see the gardener gardening on a Sunday. For him, that activity was not appropriate for the day of rest he observed,
In the Old Testament, God instituted a day of rest. The day was for the sake of His people, even if the Israelites did not always understand this. God gave clear instructions for how to celebrate the day—on the sixth day they were to gather enough food for two days so that on the Sabbath day they could enjoy “complete rest” on a day dedicated to God, for worship and for meeting together with the elect (Exodus 16:23).
God longed for His people to trust Him enough to rest, even if some of the Israelites at first searched for food on the Sabbath. He knew that we needed time to turn from our work in order to regenerate our bodies, minds and souls. When we let go of our own efforts, whether paid or voluntary, we acknowledge our lives are upheld by God, not by our own labour.
God longs for us to trust Him completely—enough to put aside our work and rest in Him. For those who truly love the Lord, the keeping of the commandments is not a burden, but a real joy.
Prayer
Creator God, six days You have made for work, and You have given a day for rest, even You rested from your labours after creating the world. Help me to trust You enough to stop and rest each Sunday, knowing that You provide for all my needs. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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