The Sabbath Rest

The Lord said to Moses: "tell the Israelites: you must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am 'Tahweh who sets you apart.' Observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Exodus 31:12-14

Why was having a rest so important to God. There was no parallel in any other culture in that day. Yet God thought it so important that if it was contravened it meant death.

In verse 17 we read: 'it is a sign forever between me and the Israelites, for in six days The Lord made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.'

So we see it is a sign to be observed. It is also very important to The Lord. He worked and then rested and knew it would be important for His people.

Today the Sabbath is not observed unless you are of Jewish faith. Yes we are no longer under law if we are a born again believer but if God made an issue of it and I love Him would I not want to know what He would like to do now I am in grace?

Perhaps the rest I can have is available always, anywhere and the rest comes from the finished work of the cross. If I live in Christ I do not have to strive anymore. To be in rest I need to be in Christ. Amen!

Even with this knowledge I am inclined to rest from work on Sunday and enjoy fellowship. I do not have to do it, but I choose to do it out of relationship with my God.

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