Is the Sabbath Day relevant today?

This is my latest rambling on a particular topic that has been swirling around in my head for a while now. Because I am Christian, that is the viewpoint I am coming from. I do believe the principles are true for all people.

Based on New Testament practice, the first day of the week (Sunday) is now observed by most Christian people as the Lord’s Day. The risen Christ appeared to Mary and the disciples on the first day of the week. Paul preached at Troas on the first day of the week, which was the regularly appointed meeting time. The apostle John received the beginnings of his Book of Revelation when he was “in the spirit on the Lord’s Day.”

The underlying truth I believe that’s still significant is that one day in seven should be a day of rest in honor of the Lord, as well as for our own good. “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). These words remind us that the Sabbath day was meant to be a blessing rather than a burden to those who observe it. We are not to be in legalistic bondage “in respect of a holy day” as it states in Colossians 2:16. However, evidence of the days we live in is that “men shall be… lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.”

I do wonder if the increasing secularization of the Lord’s Day grieves God. We live busy lives. Many people use the weekends to get caught up on housework, yardwork, chores, etc. They also go out for dinner, go to concerts, movies and other entertainment activities. These things are not bad in and of themselves. But in doing only these activites on Sunday, and never taking a breath before starting the work week, the health and wellness of body, mind and spirit suffer. If you don’t rest, your body will find a way to let you not be so busy. It will also make your spirit dry as a bone while you gravitate to ignoring God. Miner’s mules and manufacturers’ machines break down if used continuously. So it is with your soul and body. We need a break from the work-a-day pressures.

Do you have a job or other obligations that require you to work or to be out and about on Sunday? Then pick another day of the week to be your “sabbath”. Take time to pray and meditate. Keep work and chores to a minimum.

A number of years ago when I was a teacher for the 3 and 4 year olds at our local mid-week bible club, I did a lesson on the days of creation. I had 7 posterboards and drew pictures on each one for the children to guess what God created on that day. I left the 7th poster empty. So I lifted it up to show everyone and asked the kids, “what did God do on the 7th day?” One little girl raised her hand in excitement. “Ooh Ooh I know!” I called on her to answer. “He tooked a nap!” Out of the mouths of babes as they say.

God’s day reflects His own procedures in Creation: six days of work and a seventh day of rest. What that looks like will differ for all of us. For my husband and me, we attend church services to worship God with our brothers and sisters in Christ. “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25. The majority of time we abstain from chores, we rest with a nap, a book, maybe a tv show or gardening in the warmer months. I enjoy cooking and baking in the afternoon, since the best part of our sabbath is that our kids and grandkids come over for Sunday dinner. It is a beautiful tradition I grew up with as a child and continued with my in-laws up until a few years ago. My mother-in-law worked very hard at keeping her kids and grandkids connected. She has gone home to be with the Lord. I miss her deeply. What a meaningful legacy was left by the love and delicious meals she provided.

Sunday should be a day of joy, not of prohibitions, a day of worship, not of selfish preoccupation, a day of blessing and overall renewal.

Do you start your Sunday with attending a (solid bible believing) church service? The music alone is often so regenerating. Listen to the teaching of God’s holy word. This can be such a wonderful reset for your mind and soul before diving into a hectic Monday morning. Christian podcasts and a church service on tv have their place, but let’s be careful not to treat the Lord like a “to go” sandwich from our favorite fast food joint. Take time to worship, listen, reflect on God’s goodness in your life.

I have spoken with many people over the years who have unpleasant memories of being forced to go to church. They found it boring, or perhaps they have been hurt or see the people there to be hypocrites. I encourage you to give it another try. The church is full of human beings, all with faults of our own. Seek the presence of Jesus, not just on Sunday but everyday. Let us not just go through an obligatory attendance on Sunday morning. God is not a religion, he is a relationship. Jesus told his disciples in John 15:15 “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Do you consider yourself a friend of God? He does not intrude on us or force himself upon us, but draws us in our spirit and waits patiently for us to turn to Him. My prayer is that everyone may discover the truth of Psalm 145:18 “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

So what do you think about getting into the practice of renewal for our bodies, minds AND spirits? Seeking the Lord and thanking Him for his blessings. Taking time for renewal.

Does going out for lunch with friends on a Sunday afternoon give you joy and recharge your batteries? Great! Maybe taking a hike gives you peace and a connection with nature. Wonderful! I encourage you to pray about these things and adjust your Sunday program accordingly.

This is a day to be acquainted with God and gather to worship Him. It is also for our benefit to rest and recharge our bodies and souls!

I hope these words encourage you to ponder the “sabbath day.”

~Allison

How about you? Did you grow up going to church or with your Sundays looking different than the rest of the week?

Leave a comment below! I’d love to hear your story!