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Laying Down the Law - Part 2: The Sabbath

We saw that the first three of the Ten Commandments centered on our view and relationship with God.  In His fourth commandment, He gives us instruction that has been preached, debated, practiced, and discussed for centuries.

4.  "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.  On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant." - Ex 20:8-10
God established the rhythm of life at creation by working the first six days and then resting on the seventh.  No, God did not need to rest, but He rested in order to show us that is necessary for both functionality and enjoyment.  This day of rest also serves as a reminder for both the people of Israel and for us that we are not sustained by our works, but by the mighty hand of God.

The question is often asked, 'Is the Sabbath still a command that God expects of us today?'  Here is Lifeway's commentary on that: "Taking one day each week to stop one's work and to worship God can be a difficult requirement to keep.  We live in a very busy culture where we are constantly tempted to work furiously to get more for ourselves.  God commanded His people to dedicate one day each week to rest and remember that He supplied their needs and to deepen their relationship with Him."

Now we see why some debate the issue of the Sabbath.  Is it still meant for us to cease all work on the seventh day or was it abolished?  Personally, I don't believe God ever intends for us to be lazy or slothful.  I believe that the principal of setting aside worldly matters for a time to focus on and worship God is vital to our Christian growth.  I also believe we should do this DAILY not weekly. 

This commandment is not repeated in the New Testament while the other nine are.  By the way, Jesus taught and healed on the Sabbath.  Here are a couple verses to help your thoughts regarding this day:
Romans 14:5 - "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike.  Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."
Colossians 2:16-17 - "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.  These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."

While I believe that we are not required to keep the Sabbath based on New Testament reading and the current law (post-Mosaic), I do believe that this should not be allowed to be a division amongst Christians.  As long as you are living in the Spirit, and are "fully convinced in your own mind" then live holy and honor the days in ways you believe will bring glory and honor to God.
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