The Sabbath was Made for Mankind
In today’s world there is much contention concerning keeping the Sabbath. One group of people say it’s only for the Jewish people. Another group says it’s not necessary to keep it because the Torah was abolished. Yet, another group believes in keeping it, but on whatever day they want to keep it.
When problems like these arise we must go back to the first instance to see what was said. In this case, that would be Genesis 2:2-3.
“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
These scriptures teach us some important truths about the Sabbath. The Sabbath was
- a declaration of completion and perfection
- blessed and holy, chosen by God
- an example for humanity to follow
1. A Declaration of Completion and Perfection
For six days God created all things pertaining to the earth and its surrounding atmosphere. He set everything in motion to continue in the way it was supposed to go. Land stayed above water. Animals, trees, and plants produced after its own kind. The sun rose and set every day. The stars stayed in their atmosphere.
At the end of those six days, He declared His creation good. There were no more tweaks to be made, no extra lines to be drawn, and no more species to be created. He saw perfection and determined He was done. All of His intentions for planet Earth were fulfilled. So, He rested.
His rest allowed Him to enjoy the beauty and order of the world He made. Everything was in its proper place, functioning as it should be. Everything was finished, complete, and perfect.
I liken this situation to an artist who finally finishes his work of art. Before he begins another piece, he takes time off to enjoy, and marvel at the perfection he created. Then he finds the perfect place in his home to display it for everyone else to enjoy.
2. Blessed and Holy, Chosen by God
That rest day became special because God blessed it and made it holy. He set it apart. Out of seven days, only one day, the seventh day, received this honor from the Creator Himself. This distinction didn’t come from man.
Creator God blessed this day. He sanctified it, set it apart, divinely favored it, and bestowed good on it. This tells us ONLY God can determine which day is the day of rest. He chose it, not the Jewish people (who didn’t exist at that time), not you, and definitely not me. He chose day seven to be set apart (holy).
3. Setting an Example for Humanity
By resting, God not only shows us the importance of taking time off but also sanctifies the day, making it a space for sacred reflection and worship. It’s a day to say, “no matter what happened the last six days, I’m going to rest in knowing You God are in control. I don’t have to worry about anything today because everything is perfect.”
By resting on the seventh day, we follow in God’s footsteps, like Yeshua did. We don’t rest on the first day. We do what Yeshua did, what God did. They are our examples to follow.
Also, the Sabbath is a chance to give back to God for all that He’s given us. A time to sit in His presence and learn about Him and His son, Yeshua the Messiah. A time to experience the peace and joy of His created world and to experience communion with Him. A time to show gratitude for the opportunity to rest from and reflex on all of our work during the last six days. A time to align ourselves with God’s purposes for our lives.
As you can see, the Sabbath becomes a sacred time to step back, take a breather, and focus on all God has given you and your family, both physically and spiritually. It truly is a gift from God to humanity.
So, as you look ahead to your next Sabbath, think about how you can make it a meaningful time of rest and renewal. You’ll be surprised at how much a day of intentional pause can do for your spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being. What are some things you plan on doing next Sabbath? Comment below.
