KEEPING THE SABBATH

KEEPING THE SABBATH

Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.....

Observe My Sabbaths.

This will be a sign between Me and you

for the generations to come,

so that you may know that I am the Lord,

Who makes you holy.

Ex. 20.8; 31.13

The Sabbath (seventh) Day was given to Israel and all who come to believe and trust in the Lord Jesus for two reasons:

1. "...so that you may know that I am the Lord...," and

2. "...so that you may...be holy in all that you do; for it is written:

'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1.15-16)

The Sabbath Day was a unique provision of God for the Israelites to have time to invest in coming to know their God, Redeemer, and Lord.

It was a unique provision and a unique purpose, for that unique people.

We today are the unique people of God--1 Peter 2.9: "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light...you are the people of God..." (Cf. Exodus 19.6)

We also are given a unique provision of time to invest in coming to know the Lord Jesus as our God, Redeemer, and Lord.

Jesus calls us to make provision for time to "abide in Me and I in you." (John 15.1-5)

The results of this time of Sabbath-like abiding with Christ results in "much fruit..to My Father's glory...showing yourselves to be My disciples." (John 15.5,8)

The Israelites had one day uniquely set aside for this purpose.

We are to set unique time every day, "redeeming opportunity (time)...to grow (fruit) in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5.16; 2 Peter 3.18)

It would seem to be a minimum time commitment that we set ("number") a morning hour and an evening hour for abiding time. The initial focus for these times would be God's love and faithfulness, respectfully.

Psalm 90.12: "Teach me to number my days that I may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 92.2: "It is good to praise the Lord

and make music to Your Name,

O Most High,

to proclaim Your love in the morning

and Your faithfulness at night."

(Cf. Psalm 36.5-6; 108.4)