Sabbath Day Blessings

Who would have ever thought I could be ‘middle aged’ and find out that all these years I have been, for the most part, breaking one of the ten commandments of God?

Even though we’ve come a long way in the Lord over the years, there’s always more to be taught by the Holy Spirit. At least he’s a gentleman about it and brings these things to our attention when it’s time to come up higher.

Marvin has been reading, “The Cycles of God” by Robert D. Heidler of Glory of Zion International Ministries, concerning the fourth commandment and the principles of observing the Sabbath. “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy,” Exodus 20:8 (KJV).

Just think, it is just as much a sin not to observe the Sabbath as it is to kill, steal, or commit adultery.

Heidler points out in his unpublished manuscript that the “weekly cycle of rest is probably the cycle most desperately needed by all of us in our modern world!” Even God set us the example of rest when he created the world and rested on the seventh day. (Gen. 2:2)

Today we are truly the busiest people we’ve ever been in spite of all the laborsaving devices of our time, and to protect the Sabbath, God set it forth in the commandments.

I suppose the biggest misconception I had of the Sabbath was that it had to do with going to church, but now I see it’s all about setting apart one day to be in God’s rest. Sort of like a tithe on the days of the week.

With today’s hectic work schedules it is impossible for everyone to choose Saturday or Sunday as their Sabbath. Mark 2:27 says, “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath.””

The Sabbath has nothing to do with our worship day, because technically as Christians we are to worship every day, but rather is about designating one day a week as a rest day in Him. Isaiah 58:13-14 promises blessings for honoring the Sabbath.

What are we to do about the Sabbath? God says we are to sanctify it as holy so we need to purposefully decide what day will be our Sabbath to set it apart.

Happily since Christ died for our sins there is no legalism concerning the Sabbath other than it is NOT just another day. If you enjoy working on your favorite classic car or baking or enjoy working in the yard, those things would be permissible on the Sabbath as restful, relaxing enjoyable things. If you’re not sure what your Sabbath should be like, ask Jesus as He is the Lord of the Sabbath. (Mark 2:28)

Heidler points out that if circumstances cause us to miss our Sabbath, we should appreciate the grace of God, express our disappointment, and look forward to the next Sabbath.

Our Sabbath is a source of blessing physically, mentally, and spiritually. Be blessed and “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Shalom…..Diana & Marvin

Our thanks to MinistryClipArt.com for use of this graphic.