Although the Ten Commandments have not changed, the way we make them come true is totally different under the new covenant. Merely obeying or keeping a set of rules can turn into legalism.
However, making the teachings come true by fulfilling them in our daily lives is a whole different story. That is why I have attached core values to the commandments. 🌻Core values that would make for a happier and safer society... if applied.
So far, we've seen that loyalty towards God, a lifestyle of worship, and seeking His presence are basic values that every believer should live by. Let's continue this blog series with the fourth commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8-11).
It might surprise you, but the book I wrote about this commandment is not a promotion for a holy Saturday, or a holy Sunday for that matter. I have left that discussion up to others. I believe that the spiritual truth hidden within the fourth commandment is about honoring God by setting one day a week apart for Him. So, which day of the week that will be, should not be the focus of discussion.
If you are active in ministry, you work on Saturdays (in Messianic congregations) or on Sundays (in most churches) as well as on other days of the week. You will definitely need a day of rest somewhere in the middle of the week, to honor the Lord. I am speaking from my own experience. The apostle Paul wrote:
So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath. All such things are only a shadow of things in the future; the reality is Christ [Colossians 2:16-17].
Let no one make rules, but God of course! For He alone is Lord of the Sabbath. Throughout the centuries people did make rules though. The Jewish leaders did it, the church did it, and if you grew up in a Christian home your parents probably did it. It is sad but true that the rules we made, have often obstructed the blessing that will follow when we take a day of rest after six days of work.
👉The core value I have attached to the fourth commandment is REST
We practice sabbatical rest on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis, and experience a blessed balance in our daily lives.
Marja: You make a very good point about taking a time to rest. Our previous pastor used his "day of rest" to teach a communications class at a vocational school. He enjoyed doing it. When our new pastor came, I point-blankly asked when his day off was going to be. He told me. Our interim pastor, at present, is here in the church office part of two days a week. He is retired and lives out of town. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good question, you asked him Cecelia. Thank you for your comment. We live in a restless world it seems, but God wants to take care of our well-being.
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