A Modern Sabbath

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8 (NIV)

Do you remember when stores weren’t open on Sundays? How about Sunday family dinners? Our family tradition was Sunday morning service, which included Sunday School, followed by family dinner–often with my grandparents Chambers—and then back to evening service. Strictly speaking, we weren’t observing the traditional Sabbath in which no one worked; Dad drove us to church, the teachers taught, and my mom or grandmother still cooked, but it was a day dedicated to togetherness and worship. Even had we wanted to go to a store, they would have been closed; they only began opening in the 1980s.

That was then. How can we observe the Sabbath in our modern world, which operates on a 24-hour, 365-day schedule? 

In Exodus 20:8-11, the Bible tells us to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." This commandment from God emphasizes the importance of setting aside this day for rest and worship. Verse 11 highlights that "in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

Jesus' teachings of the Sabbath provide additional insight. He emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man's benefit, not as a rigid rule to be burdensome. In Mark 2:27-28, He said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." Jesus also highlighted acts of mercy and necessity as appropriate on the Sabbath, as seen in His healing works and allowing His disciples to pick grain (Matthew 12:1-14).

So, how do we reconcile these teachings with our modern, fast-paced lives? Here are some suggestions:

Intentional Rest: Set aside time to rest from your usual labors. This rest can be physical, mental, and spiritual. It's an opportunity for us to recharge and reflect on God's blessings.

Worship: Attend a service, engage in personal or family devotion, or spend extra time in prayer and meditation. The focus is on deepening our relationship with God.

Family and Community: Dedicate time to be with family and friends. Share meals, engage in conversations, watch football, or do other activities together. Create meaningful memories.

Acts of Kindness: Follow Jesus' example by performing acts of mercy and kindness. Helping someone in need or volunteering can be a fulfilling way to honor the Sabbath.

Disconnect: This can be a hard one! In our technology-driven world, taking a break from screens and social media can help us focus on what truly matters. Use this time to be present with loved ones and God.

Reflect and Refocus: Use the Sabbath to reflect on your life, set goals, and refocus on your spiritual journey. 

Recognizing that not everyone can rest on the traditional Sabbath day due to work or other commitments, it's important to remember that the essence of the Sabbath lies in setting aside time for rest and worship, regardless of the specific day. Like in the past, when some labored in their callings on Sundays, we can find alternative times to dedicate to God and rejuvenate our spirits.

By embracing these practices, we can keep the Sabbath holy in a way that honors the Exodus commandment and the spirit of Jesus' teachings. It's about creating a balance that allows for rest, worship, and acts of love, even in a 24/7 world.

Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of the Sabbath, a sacred time set apart for rest, reflection, and worship. As we manage the increasing demands of our modern world, help us to find ways to honor this day and keep it holy. May we experience Your peace and presence in our rest and find renewed strength to serve You and others. Guide us to balance our lives, cherishing moments of togetherness, worship, and acts of kindness. May our observance of the Sabbath draw us closer to You and deepen our faith. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim