The Sabbath

Year 6-Day 35 :Today, I am grateful for the Sabbath. 

"Setting apart a day of rest testifies to a self-reliant world that our work does not save or define us, Christ does." -John Piper

Sunday comes every week. In most Christian homes, that is the Sabbath. It is the day of rest where the day begins with worship, thanksgiving and wonder at the grace God has extended to us for another week. 

Honoring the Sabbath is a way to reconnect with God, not just as an individual but in the fellowship of a community of believers. It is a precious time. Holy moments should never be taken for granted. 

For me, music is very spiritual. Some of the little ones from my Jr. worship years are now grown and singing on worship team and playing their instruments to accompany worship music. What joy that brings to my heart. I know it pleases their Heavenly Father in ways I cannot even begin to fathom. Heaven must rejoice to see them sharing their gifts to his glory. 

Do we actively honor the Sabbath today? When given the time to rest... what or whom do we worship? 

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work," -Exodus 20:8 -9 

In studying the gospels recently in chronological order, it was interesting to see that Jesus intentionally kept the Sabbath. Still, when a human needing help or healing was present...  he did not ignore their need. When they walked through a grain field, they plucked from the plant the grain for nourishment. They were not harvesting grain as on an ordinary work day. They simply took their "daily bread". When a man with a crippled hand was there at the temple, Jesus did not refuse to heal him on the Sabbath... he met the need. 

When we keep the Sabbath we do it not just in church attendance.  Presenting ourselves in His house, to seek his face and ask for his guidance into the next week, that is keeping the Sabbath. Giving our tithes and offering our lives as a "living sacrifice" to our Lord's service, that is keeping the Sabbath. Where we spend our Sunday is a pretty good indicator of who or what is our Lord. 

Keeping the Sabbath is intentional. Priorities are made, not accidental. I think honoring the Sabbath happens in our hearts long before we walk through the church doors. I always feel so blessed by the fellowship and kindred spirits found within. 

It reminds me of a saying I heard long ago, "That which you make Lord of your life will also become your shepherd. 

Keeping the Sabbath helps us stay the course. 

Today, I am grateful for the Sabbath.