Remember the Sabbath

“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you”
(Deuteronomy 5:12).

During Bible times the Jewish people were careful to “keep the Sabbath.” They did this by observing many rules about what activities could and could not be done on that day. They interpreted this Scripture to mean that the day should be kept holy by the observance of rituals.

When Jesus came to earth, He taught His disciples that the Sabbath was not holy because of rituals. He taught that the Sabbath was a day that was made for man to enjoy God. He explained that the rituals that had become so heavy for the people were not God’s plan at all.

I think God loves his children so much that He actually wants to spend one day a week just being with them. That is a wonderful thought.

Today we do not “keep the Sabbath” the way the ancient people did. Yet, it is important to understand what the concept of “Sabbath” does mean for our lives.

The Bible says, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

How do we keep the Sabbath holy? Spend it carefully. Go to church and take time to learn from God’s word. Take advantage of Sunday School. Go to a church that knows how to worship. Spend time in prayer. Remember to be thankful for all God is doing for you.

God has given us a special day to rest and learn about Him. Let’s use it that way.

Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.

From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2003 Women’s Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
http://www.ag.org/womensministries

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