Sabbath Rest? Jeremiah 17:27

“If you do not listen to Me to consecrate the Sabbath day by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, I will set fire to its gates, and it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem and not be extinguished.”

God is insistent upon the holiness of the Sabbath. He always has been. So although we interpret ‘Sabbath’ in light of Jesus life and His pronouncement, still we must not lose sight of the holiness of one day in seven set aside for God alone. Honestly, I’m not even sure anyone understands what this should look like anymore. I’m not even sure I understand. Even Sunday, when we at least nominally note the Sabbath, has become just another day to most people in our culture and even to many church congregations and those who are members. What does a Holy Sabbath look like today? What should it look like? How can we set aside a day strictly for God without turning it into a legalistic routine as so many have done? How do we honor God on a special day without justifying our limited efforts to sanctify this day? I guess I’m just not sure. Maybe we also are suffering the consequences of disobedience because of our loss of the sacredness of Sabbath. We are busy with many things most of which serve to bring us pleasure. Even our play has become work for our wealthy culture.

This I know: God’s commands are right and good and never fail. He commands us to rest and renew one day in every seven. If He said it and we respect it, the blessing is ours. If we simply reject it, for whatever reason, then consequences follow. This world is too much with us. Have mercy on our unbelief and disobedience Father. Show us again how to honor Your Sabbath in a way that glorifies you and does not overemphasize us.

Thanks be to God that Jesus is Lord even of the Sabbath.