Sabbath

John 5:15-16  The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesuswho had healed him. And this was why the Jews persecutedJesus, because he did this on the sabbath.


It is clear that our society has lost any biblical sense of sabbath rest or holy rest. Our world moves as fast and furious on Sunday as it does every other day of the week, and that is true of church people as well as the rest. Jesus got in trouble for even healing on the sabbath, but he set a standard that godly activities, needed loving activities fit in God's plan because they still keep the day holy. 


Here I am sitting here watching my NFL football. I'm not working, but am I keeping the day holy. I am thinking about Jesus and his words as I write this reflection, but am I simply trying to justify the other stuff. God fits in my routine every day and certainly has center focus for a big part of Sunday as I worship at three different services, but can I say I keep the day holy as sabbath was intended to be holy?


Life is meant to slow down some times. I think God knew it was for our best and for our families best to keep one day sabbath. I watched families including mine so busy at times, that they were hardly with each other from week to week. They seem like the proverbial ships passing in the night. Each person floating through life disconnected from the rest of the family.


I don't know the answer for us in these modern surroundings, but I don't think God was kidding. We are intended to set aside a holy day of rest, and especially one with our family. It's for our own good, not just for God.