The Ten Commandments (4)
"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy".
1. THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE SABBATH
"Remember".
God knows how quickly man is liable to forget Sunday. Many have forgotten it.
Our time belongs to the LORD. He tells us how we are to use it.
He allocates time for EMPLOYMENT - "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work". Notice that it is not five days but six. Some form of work. Paid or voluntary. Looking after children, housework, etc.
He allocates time for ENJOYMENT - "the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work". Sunday is for enjoying rest, our family, nature, etc. It is a day to ‘recharge the batteries’. So God’s ratio is perfect: 6-1. Six days work followed by one day of rest.
2. THE RELEVANCE OF THE SABBATH
Some Christians say there is no requirement to keep it. They are mistaken.
PERPETUAL RELEVANCE - The sabbath was not just for the Old Testament period but for all ages. Christ spoke of the relevance of the Sabbath in Mark 2:27 - "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath".
Sunday is relevant for the 21st Century.
INTERNATIONAL RELEVANCE - "thou shalt not do any work…nor thy STRANGER that is within thy gates".
The sabbath was to be kept by the Jews and also by strangers (Gentiles) lodging with them. It was for everyone. It is still for everyone. It is for you and me.
3. THE REVERENCE OF THE SABBATH
"Keep it holy".
Sunday should be different from the other days.
Eric Liddell ran in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. His best event was the 100m. There was only one problem - the heats were on a Sunday. Liddell pulled out. While the heats were taking place, he was preaching in a church. Some days later, he ran in the 400m. Nobody gave him a chance. What happened? Eric Liddell won gold, breaking the world record in the process. God honoured his stand for the Sabbath.
Sunday is not a day for digging the garden, washing the car, cleaning the house, painting the fence.
How do we keep it holy? By doing holy things.
We would specifically highlight the importance of going to church. Be there every Sunday. Make it part of your weekly schedule.
Then there is the need to prepare for Sunday. Get as much as possible done on Saturday.
4. THE RESEMBLANCE OF THE SABBATH
Mark 2:28 - "The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath".
The Sabbath day resembles Jesus Christ. How?
It tells us to REST. And so does the Saviour.
Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls".
It tells us to REMEMBER. And so does the Saviour.
Luke 22:19 - "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me".
Remember Thee, and all Thy pains
And all Thy love to me;
Yea, while a breath, a pulse remains,
Will I remember Thee.
