God commanded us to observe the Sabbath, a day to rest and refocus on the Lord (Exodus 20:8).
Sadly, by the time Jesus came to earth, the Pharisees had turned the Sabbath into a burdensome, legalistic observance. Their man-made rules distorted the meaning and purpose of the Lord's Day (e.g., Luke 6:1-10).
God's purpose for the Sabbath and other special holidays (holy days) is to help His people remember and celebrate His love and faithfulness (e.g., Passover).
Although we can rest in Christ's love daily, it's healthy for us to have a day each week to refresh ourselves physically and spiritually, a day to celebrate our salvation, God's Word, and Christian fellowship.*
Although we can rest in Christ's love daily, it's healthy for us to have a day each week to refresh ourselves physically and spiritually, a day to celebrate our salvation, God's Word, and Christian fellowship.*
It's also good to step back from time to time to ask ourselves if we've let elements of our faith become legalistic and burdensome.
If our Sabbath has lost some of its meaning, we can consider ways to make it more meaningful. We can also create monthly, quarterly, or annual family traditions to celebrate our faith. And let's be sure to plan ahead to joyfully and deliberately celebrate The Two Most Important Days in History.
I'd love to hear your ideas for celebrating your faith. Why not leave them in a comment.
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Check out this devotion for some ideas: 5 Creative Things Christians Can Do to Improve Well-being.
Additional Notes:
* The
Sabbath commandment is the only one of the Ten Commandments not
restated in the New Testament. This may be because every day is a
Sabbath to the Christian. After all, we can “rest” in the finished work of
Christ (Hebrews 4). See Is One Day Holier than Another.
Sadly, some Christians still view the Sabbath very legalistically. They judge other Christians by the day of the week they celebrate the Lord's Day, violating the commands in Colossians 2:16:
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”
Let's celebrate the Sabbath according to our conscience and not judge others who celebrate it differently.
BLN
Great that you mention this. Years ago I wrote a small book on it, which really talks about the blessings we miss as a nation since we no longer have a sabbath's rest and joy! We can be restored!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Sabbath-Multiply-Commandment-Commandments/dp/1598860240/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435650308&sr=8-1&keywords=sacred+sabbath+meijers
Agreed. For years I have struggled w/this since I heard a msg of this topic several yrs ago. I'd say tithing and remembering the sabbath are in the same file. Let us remember; Gods' requirements are always always ALWAYS 4 our BEST interest. And as imperfect as I can become somedays, I Still Thank God for Jesus. And The Holy Spirit. Speaking for myself, of course
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