The Fourth Commandment

Today we examine the Fourth Commandment: ""Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (RSV) My purpose is not to debate which day to worship, but instead to ask the familiar question, "What would Jesus do?" Jesus kept the Sabbath. The Scriptures tell us He was in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Mark 1:21 says: "And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught." History informs us that Constantine changed the day of worship for the Christian church from the Sabbath to Sunday (a day to worship the sun god) in an effort to break ties with the Jewish community. Regardless of the day you choose to worship, don't be fooled by arguments not based on truth.

How should we keep the Sabbath? We are "to remember" which implies we should always remember the Sabbath. The Sabbath was given to us as an instrument to come closer to God and His love for us. Six days we labor for food and shelter, but on the Sabbath we are to worship the Lord and study His Word. We are to serve God on the Sabbath and make the day special for Him. Too many make their Sabbath a family day set aside for family entertainments. This is not its purpose; the purpose is to remember God's creative work and to give Him honor. The commandment to keep the Sabbath includes not just your activities but also your attitude. We are to rest in God on the Sabbath. This would include resting as if things left undone were done so they do not interfere with our Sabbath observance.

This brief explanation of the Sabbath is designed to make you consider how you spend the Sabbath. Is it a day for you, your family, or your God? This week, after you have finished toiling for 6 days, remember the Sabbath. It is still a command and if Jesus was still physically here, where do you think you would find Him on the Sabbath? Wherever He would go, you should do likewise.