OBSERVE THE SABBATH AND KEEP IT HOLY

 “…. the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”  (Mark 2:28)

The Pharisees failed to understand that Laws were meant to exercise love; and it so happens that down the lane they are followed without proper reason but under the force of traditions. When Almighty God created the world, He gave us His Laws to govern the world. When Lord Jesus was walking through the cornfields on a Sabbath, His disciples who were with Him, began to pick the ears of the corn to eat it. The Pharisees soon raised their opinion, saying, “Look, it is against our Law to do that on the Sabbath!” Lord Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did the time when he needed something to eat? He and his men were hungry, so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God….” He concluded saying, “The Sabbath was made for the good of man! Man was not made for Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:23-28)

Sabbath is a day kept aside to recollect the goodness of God; and to celebrate with Him in praise and thanksgiving. A day of rest from the daily routine in order to observe and spend more time with God. However, for the Pharisees the Sabbath turned out to be a day to strictly adhere to fulfil certain rituals and laws. When Jesus’ disciples were accused by the Pharisees for plucking some corn to eat on the Sabbath; Lord Jesus took this opportunity to establish the important principles that concerned human priorities over mere ritual considerations. The Holy Bible indicates that Lord Jesus regularly attended the synagogue on the Sabbath; which proves that He upheld the commandment of observing Sabbath.

From the time of Moses, the Sovereign Lord had commanded the Israelites to observe Sabbath. The Holy Bible says, “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to Me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. In six days I, the LORD, made the earth, the sky, the sea and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the LORD, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)

The Law teaches us that everybody must be given a weekly rest and consider this day in priority for religious nourishment, time for reconciliation, self exercise spirituality imparting it to children and encourage them practice giving honour to God.  A day dedicated in spending time with your family; attending all their basic needs. It is His command to provide rest to your employees to pray and relax. Imposing this practice will lift us above the material concerns, impart sound health, bringing peace and stability to our personal and family life. In the Old Testament, the Sovereign Lord commands us to give rest to the animals and land too. “For six years sow your field and gather in what it produces, but the seventh year let it rest; and do not harvest anything that grows on it. The poor may eat what grows there; and the wild animals can have what is left.” (Leviticus 25:2-7)

How impartial and kind is our Father in Heaven. The love and concern about each of His Creation is marvellous. Accordingly let us practice and allow others to have the same nature of our Heavenly Father. You may think how can we survive if there is no crop for a year? The Holy Bible answers, “The Lord will bless the land in the sixth year so that it will produce enough food for two years. When you sow your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating what you harvested during the sixth year, and you will have enough to eat until the crops you plant that year are harvested.” (Leviticus 25:21-22) Obey the laws and commands loyally and faithfully; so that you may live safely in the land. How wonderful it is if we could obey and rely on Him!

We torture ourselves, others, animals and the land in search of prosperity; we do research to eradicate diseases, poverty, hunger, violence, calamities, disasters etc. By examining the soil thereafter boost it using artificial fertilizers, chemicals we try to increase the yield of the crops. However, the Creator confidently assures that if we allow the land to rest for a year after six years; He will bless it to produce food abundantly. Lord Jesus said to the Pharisees that the Sabbath was made for the welfare of man and not man for Sabbath. So, Son of Man is master of both man and Sabbath. By saying this Lord taught them to keep God as the centre of their worship rather than concentrate on the man-made customs of Sabbath; as it was never created to oppress people or make their lives difficult and burdened. The Lord says, “If you treat Sabbath as sacred and do not pursue your own interest on that day; if you value My holy day and honour it by not travelling, working or talk idle on that day, you will find the joy that comes from serving Me. I will make you honoured all over the world and you will enjoy the land….” (Isaiah 58:13-14)

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ