JESUS our Sabbath

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 ~