What is the Sabbath and Why is it Important?
To fulfill God’s purpose of establishing His kingdom on earth, we are called to embody lifestyles that mirror the activities characteristic of the kingdom.
The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, played an important role in the Old Testament, especially for the Israelites who received the Mosaic Law. The specific activities permitted or restricted on the Sabbath were outlined in the commandments and throughout Scripture. Observing the Sabbath became a fundamental way of honoring and obeying God’s direct command, notably featured in one of the Ten Commandments instructing believers to dedicate one day each week to rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11).
This sacred day serves as a designated period for rest and rejuvenation, providing individuals a break from their routine work and promoting holistic well-being—addressing physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of life. The Sabbath also encourages a deep spiritual connection, offering us an opportunity to concentrate on our relationship with God, fostering spiritual growth and understanding.
Community and fellowship are essential components of the Sabbath, emphasizing the significance of congregating for worship, study, and shared meals as a means of unifying the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25). Additionally, the Sabbath stands as a reminder of God’s role as the Creator as we express gratitude for His work during the creation of the heavens, the earth, and all that inhabits them (Genesis 2:2-3).
Symbolically, the Sabbath represents freedom, echoing the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:12-15). It serves as an occasion for doing good and aiding those in need, reinforcing values of kindness and charity (Isaiah 58:13-14). In essence, the Sabbath encompasses a rich tapestry of spiritual, communal, and ethical dimensions, each contributing to its enduring significance in religious observance and practice.
10 Activities you can do on the Sabbath
- Rest and Worship – Exodus 20:10 (NIV): “but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”
- Acts of Mercy and Compassion – Matthew 12:12 (NIV): “How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
- Teaching and Studying Scripture – Acts 17:2 (NIV): As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
- Offering Sacrifices and Worship in the Temple of the Sabbath – Numbers 28:9 (NIV): “ On the Sabbath day, make an offering of two lambs a year old without defect, together with its drink offering and a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with olive oil.”
- Fellowship and Community Gathering – Leviticus 23:3 (NIV): “ There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the LORD.”
- Prayer and Meditation – Isaiah 58:13 (NIV): “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words.
- Acts of Kindness and Charity – Jeremiah 17:22 (NIV): “Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your ancestors.”
- Restoration and Healing – Luke 13:10 (NIV): On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues.
- Enjoying God’s Creation – Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV): By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
- Honoring the Sabbath as a Sign of Covenant – Exodus 31:16-17 (NIV) – “The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. ”
These are just a few of the activities that can be done on the Sabbath. Further studying is encouraged to gain a deep understanding of what God wants you to do specifically in your own life on the Sabbath. Exploring the Scriptures and seeking spiritual guidance can provide personalized insights into how you can make the Sabbath a meaningful and enriching experience. Remember that the Sabbath is not just a set of rules but an opportunity for a personal and profound connection with God, tailored to your unique journey and relationship with Him.
