“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; in it you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:8-11). AMPC
Shabbat shalom. Literally, “Sabbath peace.” Or more colloquially “peace be on you this day of rest.”
Shabbat is the Hebrew word for Sabbath. In the Jewish tradition, one is commanded (Exodus 20:8) not to do any work on Shabbat (nightfall Friday until nightfall Saturday). This time is intended to be spent in worship of God, and in fellowship with family and friends.
As Christians, we are not commanded to keep the Sabbath. The New Testament includes no Sabbath-keeping commandment. Jesus is our Sabbath. Early Christians recognized that Jesus was “Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8) Keeping the Sabbath, then, is a matter of spiritual freedom for Christians.
For Believers looking for ways to amp up their worship, and to honor and venerate God, the fourth Commandment is an awesome place to start. Sabbath is a gift from God, made for mankind. It is a marvelous opportunity to step aside from the day-to-day pressure and madness to honor God. Setting aside a day in every week adds vitality to the Christian walk. It can be a rich time of rest, restoration, and renewal. A time to focus on the truly significant relationships and simple joys in life. Most importantly, it can be a time of reflection on the things of God, and of thankful worship to Him.
We challenge you to make Sabbath observance a priority in your house.
Shabbat shalom.