This is one of those posts where I NEED feedback. So PLEASE, leave a comment as to your views! No offense will be taken, and please respect everyone else's opinions :)
Okay - here are my thoughts... the fourth of the Ten Commandments is to "Keep the Sabbath Holy." In today's "world," what does this mean??? I know some say not to go to your job... unless you have to, considering some jobs (i.e. some military, medical professionals, police, firemen, etc) don't have a choice. Some just stay away from the "odd jobs" of around the house - no laundry, cutting grass, washing the car, changing the oil, vacuuming, etc. Yet others say that you are to do nothing. Where do you sit on the fence? Where do your convictions lie? Should women serve their families pre-prepared foods such as cut up fruits and pre-made muffins for breakfast, subs for lunch, and salads for supper? Or is it okay to cook?
Is it wrong to catch up on school work? To run errands? To work on a hobby? To work on training the dog? To dirty and clean up dishes? Obviously we no longer fall under the Mosaic Law - we are saved by grace, and following the Ten Commandments do not determine our Salvation. With that said, however, we are still called to follow His Word out of love, fear, and respect for our Creator, Lord, and Savior, as believers.
What does it mean to you and your family to "keep the Sabbath Holy?"
There are some things in the New Testament that command us very specifically as to what is appropriate and expected of us as believers. Romans, chapter 14 addresses many of these types of issues. Interestingly enough, observances of days does not seem to be one of them. Although we are commanded not to forsake fellowshipping with one another, there seems to be much freedom in how we address the Sabbath/holidays. In fact, the Lord seems much more concerned with us honoring Him than in honoring days. Romans 14, verses 5 and 6 state, "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it...." This is in the context of not judging one another. Apparently, what we choose to do and not to do to honor the Lord is considered to be a private matter between the Lord and His follower.
ReplyDeleteHebrews, chapter 4 (especially verses 4 and 5) speaks of entering into His Sabbath rest under the New Covenant and that rest seems much longer than a day!
Praise God for the freedom we have in Christ!
It's interesting that you brought this post to my attention Shannon because the very week that you offered it I was thinking on this topic! I have been thinking on the topic of worship and living a life of worship.I loved what Jennifer said, that God has not specifically called us in te most recent version of his law to observe "the Sabbath". At the same time, there are so many wonderful blessings associated with taking purposeful time to remember. I see Peter, James and Paul all continuing to practice Jewish traditions as they ministered to the Jews in Jerusalem, their traditions based on old law to practice the Sabbath was a beneficial one ...of course they would! I think that we are not bound by the restraints of the Sabbath law any more. However, what a great benefit to practice the spirit of the law, which is still very much relevant to us today. Part of the Sabbath practice was to prepare a meal on Friday for Saturday. It was so that the mother of the home could rest with the rest of the family. Part of her preparations were so that she could rest as well. She was the one how offered the first blessings on her children as the meal was offered Friday evening, and her who recognized teh closing of the time of remembrance on te evening of the Sabbath. I think the preparations for the Sabbath (a purposeful rest, time taken to focus on God, family and God's word) were as important as the time taken. Are we commanded to practice Sabbath? No! But wow, to set aside a day for God on purpose? What a wonderful way to set the week on teh right track! As to how that plays out. I guess that is so specific to you and your family! ..its about the offering, and the heart of purposefulness.
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