Rest Is A Command

Ex 20:8 Remember to observe the sabbath day by keeping it holy.

God ordains that one day in seven be restful. I think that's a creation ordinance for our good, for our health.

And so, we should do things on the Lord's day that refresh us for his service, intellectually, physically and spiritually. So if you sit at your desk all week, probably you should walk or ride a bike on Sunday. And if you work on the farm, breaking your back all week (which is what they did in the Old Testament), then sit down and take a long nap on Sunday.

What does it mean to keep that day holy? It means “consecrate,” “set apart,” or “sanctify” The Israelites were to make a distinction between the seventh day and the rest of the week. The Sabbath was different. It was to be dedicated to the Lord. I think for us that means the day must include worship. praising Him for His goodness and mercy. And we must spend time in relationship with our heavenly Father, allowing time for Him to speak to us. Quiet the noise in your head and around you so you can listen. And read His love letter, the Bible. As you set the Sabbath apart let it remind you that you are also set apart.


Ex 31:13 "You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you."


Jesus states in Mark 2:27 “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” The Sabbath, a special creation, was made for the benefit of mankind. He did not make it only for the Israelites. He made it for all humanity beginning with Adam and Eve. God specifically identifies Himself with no other day of the week. In Ezekiel 20:12-24, He specifically calls them “My Sabbaths” six times. He does not refer to them as belonging to Israel but to Himself.


Ez 20:18-19 "And I said to their children in the wilderness, 'Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor keep their rules, nor defile yourselves with their idols. I am the Lord you God; walk in my statutes, and be careful to obey my rules, and keep my Sabbaths holy that they may be a sign between me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.' "

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