THE SABBATH DAY

 

THE SABBATH DAY

Ex. 16:27, 29a  Some of the people went out anyway to gather food, even though it was the Sabbath day.  But there was none to be found.  "Do they not realize that I have given them the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest?”  NLT

     God provided enough food for the Israelites for each day.  Every family had just enough and nothing more so that they would learn to depend on Him for their daily bread.  God told them to daily go out and gather their food and to gather double the amount on the sixth day because there would be no food provided on the Sabbath day, a day of rest and worship.  But of course, some of the Israelites did not listen and went out to gather more food, only to discover that there was none. 

     The people were slow learners; they still did not take God at His word.  They still did not understand that God says what He means and means what He says.  When God declares what is going to happen, it happens.

     God made it very clear that the Sabbath was to be a day of rest and spiritual renewal.  No work was to be done in it.  They were to spend the day reflecting on God's goodness and greatness.  They were not to fill the Sabbath with so many activities that they did not rest or have time to reflect.

     Not a whole lot has changed over the years.  We seldom set aside a Sabbath day of rest for reflection in our busy lives.  We cram as much as we can into our day as we can around our worship services.  Some even barely take the time for worship at all.  We watch the clock and can't wait until the service is over so we can beat the crowd to dinner or get to our next thing.  By the end of the day, we are so exhausted that we are not ready to start a new week.

     When will we learn to listen to God?  We need a day of rest and reflection for our bodies and souls' sake.  We need a day where we can replenish our souls, get close to God, and prepare ourselves for the days that lie ahead.  God knows best; wise is he who listens to God and keeps a Sabbath day of rest faithfully in their weekly schedule.