THE SABBATH REST

Heb.4:11,12 – Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There has always been an argument among Christians about how much of the law we are to keep. Some say the law is no longer relevant to us and others try to adhere to at least some of the law. What do I mean by some? Well I don’t know any Christians who want to restore animal sacrifice but on the other hand certain aspects of the law are kept. For example adultery, murder and lying are all pretty much recognized as wrong. But there are other aspects of the law that Christians argue about. Things like tithing and keeping the Sabbath. Actually those two examples predate, the law the sabbath going all the way back to creation and tithing all the way back to Genesis. Maybe we don’t have to be rigid but I think New Testament giving should surpass the tithe. The Sabbath rest, giving a day to the Lord is something that would benefit all of us. Here is how the REFORMED EXPOSITORY COMMENTARY explains this.

“Citations like this show that among Bible believers, even opponents of the Sabbath end up advocating what amounts to Sabbath-keeping. The reason for this is obvious. Everyone agrees that Sabbath-keeping amounts to dependence upon God. But how you can possibly say that you actually depend on the Lord, that you are looking ultimately to him for provision, and not to your boss or to the work of your own hands, if in fact you labor without ceasing every day of the week, if you observe no regular pattern of rest? We have freedom to follow God’s own pattern of labor and rest precisely because we are not left to our own devices. If I were to examine your weekly schedule, would it be clear that you are a person who depends upon the living God? If you find it impossible to set aside one full day a week to worship and draw near to God, then your claims to dependence on him are surely called into question.”

So maybe we should consider taking one day a week a day to put aside our work and let it be a day given to the Lord. What does that look like in your world? I think it starts with regular church attendance on Sunday and maybe spending some time in prayer and in the scripture. I think if you seek the Lord the Lord will lead you into His Spirit filled sabbath rest.