The Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, and means rest or to stop. By some it is associated with the Jews and the Israelites. But did you know that the Sabbath came to existence already when God created the world? With other words, before the people of Israel existed.
The Sabbath in the Creation of the World
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and “it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31). God had spent six days of creating the world. You might think that when He finally created man on day six, everything was complete. It was not.
On the seventh day He did something special. He rested.
The seventh day Sabbath is the crown of God’s creation. He blessed this day and sanctified it. Resting from his labor on this day, God gave us an example how we should keep it Holy.
The Sabbath and the Law
Have you ever worked hard on something during the weekdays, and when Friday comes, you decide to take a break? That physical rest is sweet! Right?
Jesus said: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27).
The Sabbath is a gift from God to man, where we can rest not only physically but mentally, and spiritually.
As you may know, the Sabbath is part of God’s law and the ten commandments. It stands out among the other ten. God knew that man would forget this precious gift. So He said: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8).
God has given man the first six days of the week for labor, but the seventh day is the day of rest. Let’s be honest. We need this break!
The Sabbath is pointing us back to God as the Creator, but also as our Redeemer. (See Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:15)
Which day is the Sabbath?
On what day is the Sabbath observed?, you might ask. The Sabbath is observed from sunset Friday to the sunset on Saturday.
This is why Sabbath keepers like the Seventh-Day Adventists go to church and worship on Saturday. Until quite recently, in many countries, Saturday was counted as the seventh day.
The Sabbath – A Delight
After you spend some time on your phone or computer, it will need to charge. Think of the Sabbath as a needed recharge for another week. Not only does God want to spend quality time with you and teach you precious lessons during this day, He wants to fill up your cup for the coming week.
Did you know that God says that the Sabbath is a delight, when we keep it according to the commandment? (Isaiah 58:13-14). He wants to spend this day with us in a special way, every week.
The Sabbath day is best spent together with God, the church, and family. It makes a perfect day to relax in nature.
If you try it out, it may become your favorite day of the week!
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