Are YOU
Resting In
HIM ?
To
this day there is much debate as to which day believers ought to gather to
corporately worship the LORD.
Some
denominations hold to their Hebraic roots and claim Saturday as the
“appropriate” day of worship. Still
others, point to the fact that the Apostles themselves gathered on Sunday –
a.k.a. Resurrection day.
Although
to most Christians this is simply a matter of semantics, to some this is a VERY
pertinent part of their theology. In
fact, denominations have been formed to address this very issue – Seventh Day
Adventists.
My
purpose in addressing this topic is NOT to discredit any of these denominations. Rather I have learned to see these areas of
disagreement as opportunities for Spiritual growth...opportunities to see the Messiah
JESUS more clearly, more fully.
I
do find it interesting, however, that we LIMIT ourselves to a SINGLE
day of worship.
Is
that what GOD really wants from us?
This to me speaks to the REAL root of the
problem .
~ What
is Sabbath?
- In the Greek [New
Testament] it used as a direct reference the Hebraic understanding of the
Sabbath [see below].
- In Hebrew [Old
Testament] it denotes a time of “ceasing” or “rest”
- For the Hebrew, the
Sabbath was the most Holiest of days.
- It is the term used
in Genesis 2 : 2 when referring to GOD “resting” or “ceasing” from HIS
creative activities.
- This then became
the model for the Sabbath day for the Hebrews.
- In JESUS’ time, the
Pharisees had transformed this idea of “ceasing” to the highest
degree. No work of any type was to
be performed on the Sabbath.
- This is why JESUS
drew HEAVY criticism when he “healed”
and when HIS disciples plucked some grain to eat on the Sabbath.
Scriptural References:
- Mark 3 : 1 – 6
- I find it
interesting that JESUS “did” much on the Sabbath.
- Mark 2 : 23 - 28
When
questioned about the Sabbath, JESUS makes a very interesting declaration.
- Mark 2 : 27
- And he said unto them, The SABBATH was made for
man, and not man for the SABBATH.
- Just as JESUS was certainly given to US for
our benefit
I
contend that JESUS is our SABBATH – our rest!
- In HIM we cease,
while HE accomplishes HIS Father’s work through us!
I
further suggest that we are to take REST in HIM daily!
- We are to be in
continual worship –Not just Saturday or Sunday
- Hebrews 13 : 15
- Through HIM [JESUS] therefore let us offer the
sacrifice of praise to GOD continually,
that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to HIS name.
JESUS
says in
- Matthew 11 : 28 – 29
- [28] Come unto ME, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. [29] Take MY yoke upon you, and learn
of ME; for I AM meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
- The word here has the same connotation as that
of the Sabbath – ceasing or resting.
Now
I am NOT suggesting that we boycott Saturday or Sunday communal worship. It is crucial that we come together and
ENCOURAGE one another!
- See Hebrews 10 : 24 –
25
I am saying, however, that we need to realize that as Believers we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit…the Spirit of Truth…the very SPIRIT OF CHRIST ! !
And
yet we often ignore this very SPIRIT for the majority of the week
And
we wonder why our lives are so ineffective…
Maybe
. . .
- your work has you
feeling unfulfilled
- your marriage has you
frustrated
- perhaps your health
is failing
Whatever
it is that you have been feverishly working on and not seeing the fruits of your labor. . .
Remember to REST in HIM…JESUS your SABBATH!
~
May the LORD add HIS blessings to these words ~
