Dear friends,
Are you familiar with the 4th commandment of the 10 Commandments? In the book of Exodus, it reads "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." When our God created the world, he rested on the 7th day, and did not work. In the Old Testament, God's people played a central role in observing the Sabbath day, for this public observance made it clear to others, this was God's chosen people.
So, is this a command for all humanity? Is this a pattern we should follow now? Should we be putting up a high fence around the 7th day? Jesus himself stated "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." An interesting observation in 1 Corinthians 16, that Paul commands that the collection (offering) for the church be on the first day of the week--that being Sunday.
Back to thinking about "rest". We cease from our labors, as God ceased for a day, and we are able to use the Lord's Day to gather with other believers to prepare for our eternity!! It's different for many people who use Sunday as "play day". However, when we gather to hear God's Holy Word and be with other followers we can survive oppression, and we can survive drudgery and trials. We are encouraged through the Holy Spirit working through you and others around you.
You ask, what about those working in a hospital? Or other Sunday situations that are of priority for safety and health? Seek and pray for a way you can find a Sabbath time with focus on the Lord Jesus. Maybe it will be a Wednesday evening Bible time? Or worship on another day?
Someday, we will enjoy eternal rest with Jesus, the King; when we enter heaven, HIS home! In the meantime, think about these things, allow time for rest, so you can partake in worship and Christian fellowship. Turn towards JESUS, not farther away!
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