Sabbath: Exploring Its Meaning, Purpose, and Practice with Love

[JesusFollowerForever]

The Sabbath is a sacred day of rest, deeply rooted in religious traditions, notably Judaism and Christianity. It is typically observed on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday for Jews and some Christian denominations.
Understanding the Sabbath:
The Sabbath finds its origins in the creation narrative of the book of Genesis, where it's recounted that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. This act of divine rest sanctified the day and established the pattern for humanity's observance.
The giving of the Sabbath as a commandment is central to the religious laws outlined in the Old Testament. In Exodus 20:8-11, it's enshrined as one of the Ten Commandments, urging believers to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. This commandment underscores the importance of setting aside a day for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal.
Why was it Given?
The Sabbath was given as a gift to humanity, providing a regular opportunity for physical, emotional, and spiritual rejuvenation. It serves as a time to pause from the demands of daily life, to reflect on our relationship with the divine, and to reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.
How to Follow it Properly with Love:
True Sabbath observance involves more than mere ritualistic adherence to rules and regulations. It's about embracing the spirit of the Sabbath with love and reverence.
Rest and Reflection: The essence of Sabbath observance lies in rest, not just physically but also mentally and spiritually. It's a day to pause from work and worries, to meditate on the goodness of creation, and to deepen our relationship with the divine.
Community and Connection: The Sabbath is a communal experience, a time to gather with family and friends, to share meals, stories, and laughter, and to strengthen bonds of love and fellowship.
Acts of Kindness and Compassion: True Sabbath observance involves acts of love and service towards others. It's about extending grace and generosity to those in need, following the example of Jesus who healed and helped others even on the Sabbath.
Avoiding Pharisaic Legalism:
In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to Sabbath laws, often prioritizing rituals over compassion. Jesus, however, challenged this legalistic mindset, emphasizing the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).
Heart Over Ritual: Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for humanity's well-being, not as a burdensome set of rules to follow. He emphasized the importance of mercy and compassion over rigid adherence to regulations (Mark 2:27).
Freedom in Christ: While the Sabbath remains a sacred institution, the New Testament provides a fresh perspective. In Christ, believers find freedom from legalistic observance of days and rituals, focusing instead on a relationship of grace and faith.
Grace and Forgiveness: Just as Jesus showed grace and forgiveness to those burdened by legalism, we too should extend grace to ourselves and others in our Sabbath observance. What matters most is the sincerity of our hearts and our desire to honor God and love our neighbors.
In summary, the Sabbath is a sacred day given by God for rest, reflection, and worship. Observing it properly involves resting from work, connecting with community, and showing love and compassion to others. However, it's essential to avoid the legalistic pitfalls of the Pharisees by prioritizing love, mercy, and grace in our Sabbath observance.

 

[bling]

Is worship ever "work"?
The Priests on a Sabbath had even more to do than on other days, so was it "work" or worship?
Where the priests being, "paid" to worship?
Did the priests rest on a sabbath?
When was Christ not involved in worship?
What does it mean for Christ to be lord of the sabbath?

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

Is worship ever "work"?

from what I know, in scripture, works are positive actions like for instance visiting widows, helping one another...I do not think worship qualifies as work in the context of the sabbath.

The Priests on a Sabbath had even more to do than on other days, so was it "work" or worship?

in Jesus time, the Jewish priests observed the Sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week (Saturday), as a day of rest and worship according to Jewish law. The priests would have followed the regulations and customs of their religious traditions, which included observing the Sabbath. However, their duties in the temple often required them to perform specific tasks related to sacrifices and rituals, even on the Sabbath. This could involve preparing offerings or conducting services, which were considered exceptions to the general prohibition on work during the Sabbath.

Where the priests being, "paid" to worship?

In ancient Jewish society, priests were not paid a salary in the modern sense. However, they received various forms of support from the community to sustain themselves and their families. This support came primarily from offerings and tithes brought by the people to the temple.

Did the priests rest on a sabbath?

The priests would have observed the Sabbath rest to the extent possible, their responsibilities in the temple often necessitated their engagement in activities that were exceptions to the general prohibition on work. Therefore, while they may have rested when they could, they were also required to fulfill their duties even on the Sabbath day.

When was Christ not involved in worship?

Chrit was always involved in wirship. He followed Jewish law.

What does it mean for Christ to be lord of the sabbath?

By declaring himself as the "Lord of the Sabbath," Jesus is asserting his authority over the Sabbath law. He has the ultimate authority to interpret and apply the Sabbath commandments, as he is the one who has the divine authority to establish and fulfill the true purpose of the Sabbath.

 

[bling]

from what I know, in scripture, works are positive actions like for instance visiting widows, helping one another...I do not think worship qualifies as work in the context of the sabbath.

I do not see your distinction between worship on a Sabbath and worship at any other time, can you explain?
Am I right in saying: "If worship at any time is a "work" than God owes us for our "work", we deserve compensation from God for our work and we are doing something (God is not working through us)?"

in Jesus time, the Jewish priests observed the Sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week (Saturday), as a day of rest and worship according to Jewish law. The priests would have followed the regulations and customs of their religious traditions, which included observing the Sabbath. However, their duties in the temple often required them to perform specific tasks related to sacrifices and rituals, even on the Sabbath. This could involve preparing offerings or conducting services, which were considered exceptions to the general prohibition on work during the Sabbath.

You make a distinction between rest and worship, so is worship not part of the priest's "resting"?
Why do you call active worship activities: "exceptions to the general prohibition on work during the Sabbath." and not consider worship itself as a rest from "working"?

In ancient Jewish society, priests were not paid a salary in the modern sense. However, they received various forms of support from the community to sustain themselves and their families. This support came primarily from offerings and tithes brought by the people to the temple.

There were decedents of Aaron, who for health reasons could not perform priestly duties, but they would have also been intitle to the same tithe as the priest performing in the temple, so the priests were not in any way being compensated for "working" (worshipping in the temple). Do you agree with this?

The priests would have observed the Sabbath rest to the extent possible, their responsibilities in the temple often necessitated their engagement in activities that were exceptions to the general prohibition on work. Therefore, while they may have rested when they could, they were also required to fulfill their duties even on the Sabbath day.

This makes no sense to me, If worship is not work the priest are not "working" by worshipping, but are resting by worshipping, the same as all Jews were to be doing on a Sabbath.
Is worshipping a restful activity for you or "a work"?

By declaring himself as the "Lord of the Sabbath," Jesus is asserting his authority over the Sabbath law. He has the ultimate authority to interpret and apply the Sabbath commandments, as he is the one who has the divine authority to establish and fulfill the true purpose of the Sabbath.

So, does Jesus interpret worship as being a "work"?

Another question: Every seven years there was a year of Sabbath rest, so what "work" could the Jews do during that year or were they not to work during that year?