“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 sojourner who is within your gates. In six days I made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.” The Fourth Commandment, GOD, Exodus 20:8-11 [Paraphrased] GNT
Some postulate that since Christians live under the New Testament Covenant, and not Mosaic Law, that it is no longer necessary for Christians to observe the Sabbath. This is wrong on several levels. But let’s explore just one. Jesus never refuted the Ten Commandments. In fact, just the opposite; “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Moreover, it is beyond prideful to parse the Ten Commandments and say, well, we will keep these nine, but not this one. Where in the Word of God is this authority given to man? And why not throw out a couple more? Which ones? You must not commit adultery? You must not steal? You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.? This is simply thinking we can be our own god. Or in this case, a Sabbath slippery slope.
Celebrating the Sabbath is not only an act of obedience, it is an act of worship and of faith. It is trusting that God will empower us to accomplish all that he has called us to do in six days a week.
We do not rest on the Sabbath so we can work during the week. We work during the week so we can rest and refresh our souls on the Sabbath. And by not working on the Seventh Day, we are affirming that God created the world and, just as He ceased from work on the Seventh Day, so do we. It also serves as a witness to an increasingly godless world. We can have no idea the impact of our act of Sabbath faith and obedience in the Providence of God.
Assume a Sabbath posture today. One of worship. One that glorifies God.