Can you spend a day relaxing in the company of God? Is it hard to stop thinking about work, or making others work? Are you able to allocate a day spending time in scripture, fellowship with fellow Christians? Is Sabbath for you?
Countless articles have been written on this topic. Scripture is diligently quoted (Ex 20:10-11) and new covenant is used as a counter argument (Luke 22:20). I have heard people say that we are not under the law when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Jesus saved us from having to follow the law. I view Leviticus and Deuteronomy as social, legal, ceremonial rules that were put in place to ensure a morally and socially well-balanced world was established. But the commandments are wired into our DNA.
Let me demonstrate, when fellow Christians recount their faith journey, they talk about how their lives were void before they were saved. A “God-sized hole” is often mentioned ( I am not sure of the origin). So, having God as the center of our lives fulfills us. We are not looking at following a commandment or a law but our Lord Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” – Mat 22:37 and as faithful followers of Jesus, we try. This is the first commandment.
Likewise, the rest of the commandments (but for the fourth) are around treating your neighbors like you would yourself. Like it or not, we follow this to the best of our abilities. We call it “loving our neighbors”.
Following Sabbath can be rolled up into the first commandment. When you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, you will want to spend time with him. You are given a whole day of fellowship with him. “Rest and hang out with Me”, is what I hear when I read Exo 20:10-11.
If we stay out of theological inferences and denominational constructs, it should be as simple as setting aside a day with God. We hear about R&R in the pagan world, need to spend money on spas and girl’s trip. I cannot think of a better way to achieve rest and relaxation/recuperation than a day with our good Lord, He who created us knows what is best for us.
Happy Sabbath!!
Dear God,
All your commandments are pure, they show your infinite wisdom and love for us. May they open our hearts to the goodness that you shower upon us. May our actions reflect our gratitude and appreciation. Amen!