The Sabbath is not only mentioned in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament (Colossians 2:16 – 17, Hebrews 4:1). When we think of the Sabbath, we usually think of it as “a day of rest”, which is what we have traditionally been taught. Jews who observe the Sabbath will not work on this day. [For Jews, the Sabbath is a Saturday, for Christians, the Sabbath is a Sunday. It is important to note that there is not a specific day in the week that is labelled the Sabbath, but it can be ANY day in which we set aside to rest and commune with God. Mondays, for example, are MY Sabbath as I work on Sundays]
In the past, shops in Canada were not open on Sundays as to observe the Sabbath, however, in 1985, it was ruled that this imposition was unfair to others who did not practice Christianity, and from then on; malls, restaurants and shops were allowed to be opened 7 days a week. People now worked all the time.
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you had multiple tests, multiple assignments and multiple meetings? Each day is packed full with deadlines, and as you fall asleep at night, you find yourself thinking about what is due the next day. By the 4th day, you are burnt out, and all you can think of is the weekend…when you can take a break and rest.
The Sabbath is simply God’s way of looking out for us. To make sure that we get rest, to make sure that we are healthy. He calls us not only to move away from the busyness of life, but to change our focus from our school and work, and shift into a time where we can focus on Him. In our hectic world, we need to set apart a day and truly rest and gaze upon God.
[answered by Kelly J. Tam]
