What happened to the Lord’s Day
Lesson 33
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The fourth commandment makes four statements to be considered:

1. Do not regard the seventh day of the week like the other six, for it was set apart.

2. Do not work on the seventh day, it is holy.

3. Do not allow others under your dominion, whether man or animal, to work on the seventh day.

4. The seventh day is not a holiday. These hours belong to God; it is “the Lord’s Day.” He rested on the seventh day from His labors, blessed it and made it holy. He wants us to enjoy it as He enjoyed it!

The Sabbath was Set Apart

The first statement, “Do not regard the seventh day of the week like the other six, for it was set apart,” eliminates several arguments. Most Christians are convinced that it does not matter which day of the week they worship on as long as God is worshipped. (Among Christians, this argument was first advanced in Rome around A.D. 150.) But God disagrees, because His commandment states that the seventh day of the week, Saturday, is the holy day. Some people say, “I worship God seven days a week.” While there is nothing wrong with worshipping God every day, the fourth commandment is not about daily devotion. It is about submission to God’s will that is demonstrated by ceasing from work on the seventh day of the week. The argument, “I worship God seven days a week,” was used to profane the Sabbath in Israel before King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem. Notice what God says about Israel’s apostate priests: “Her priests do violence to my laws and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” (Ezekiel 22:26)

Do No Work

The second statement, “Do no work on the seventh day, it is holy, “raises several questions. What is work? Work is defined as something we do for gain, something we do for survival, and something that we have to do to sustain life. The fourth commandment does not mean that we have to stay in bed on the Lord’s Day. It means that we should not do things on the Sabbath that we do during the week.

What about the dairy farmer? Should he forego milking his cows on Sabbath? How does a nurse keep the Lord’s Day when patients need care in the hospital? How does a policeman keep the Lord’s Day when criminals are at work seven days a week? How can the mechanic or electrician, who services the generators that provide electricity to thousands of homes, take the Lord’s Day off? How can cooks in nursing homes observe the Lord’s Day when the elderly need food seven days a week? When God gave the fourth commandment, did He anticipate the problems that we should face today? Yes, of course. Then, how are those needs reconciled with the fourth commandment?

Before answering these questions, we need to observe how Jesus interpreted the intent of the Lord’s Day. The following text is the first of three important texts: At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, ‘Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.’ He answered, ‘haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread – which was unlawful for them to do, but only the priests. Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? I tell you that one grater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.’” (Matthew 12:1-8)

Jesus makes four points within this text. First, gathering food to eat “on the way” through the field that day was not a violation of the Sabbath as God interprets the law. (See Exodus 16:23,24 for the basis of the Pharisee’s complaint.) Second, Jesus pointed out that when it comes to survival, David and his men ate the holy bread that was in the tabernacle without incurring guilt. The bread they ate was reserved for priests only. So, there are instances where the immediate preservation of life momentarily overrides the letter of the law. Third, Jesus pointed out that the temple priest worked on the Sabbath (desecrated the day) without incurring guilt. Even though the Sabbath was a heavy workday for them, they were not guilty of contempt for God’s law. (Note: The priest rotated assignments so that no priest was continuously desecrating the Sabbath. See Luke 1:8) Last, the “Lord of the Sabbath,” rebuked the Pharisees for abusing the purpose and intent of the Sabbath. As scholars and leaders of the people, they should have known better. When Jesus told them that He was the “Lord of the Sabbath, “ He applied a title to Himself that shows ownership and sovereign authority. For example, a person is called a “landlord” because he or she owns property and has control over the use of that property. When Jesus declared Himself to be the “Lord of the Sabbath,” He indicated that He – not the Pharisees – had the authority to interpret how the Sabbath should be observed. Jesus Himself made the Sabbath and He alone has the necessary authority to define proper Sabbath conduct. The Pharisees did not understand the law or its intent and in their perverted, sanctimonious judgment, the Creator of the universe and His disciples continually broke the Sabbath. (John 5:18) How amazing that created beings would condemn their Creator!

The second text brings even more understanding to the subject of Sabbath observance: “Gong on from that place, he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take a hold of it and lift it out? How much valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’ Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was.” (Matthew 12:9-16)

From Jesus statement we glean two important points: First, Jesus went about doing good for others on the Sabbath. He did not sleep the Sabbath away. He did not pass the Lord’s Day in a mindless state of exhaustion because He had overworked during the previous six days. Instead, He used the Sabbath Day to minister to others. Second, Jesus affirmed again that there are certain acts that do not violate the intent of the Sabbath. If rescuing an animal is not a violation of the intent of the law, then rescuing a human being from sin or suffering does not violate the fourth commandment.

The last text reveals two key issues on observing the Lord’s Day. Notice the setting. Jerusalem was being rebuilt under Nehemiah’s leadership. He writes, “In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah. I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, ‘What is this wicked thing you are doing – desecrating the Sabbath Day? Didn’t your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought this entire calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.’ When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath Day. Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. But I warned them and said, ‘Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you.’ From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also, O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.” (Nehemiah 13:15-22)

It is obvious from these verses that conducting business on the Lord’s Day is offensive to God – whether it is for food or merchandise is immaterial. Second, like the Levites of old, we should “guard” the gates of our houses in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Did you notice that Nehemiah associates God’s wrath (the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.) with desecrating the Sabbath? Like Nehemiah, I believe the basis for God’s coming wrath upon the world is due in part to the fact that mankind does not have respect for God or His holy day. When the Great Tribulation rumbles across the face of the Earth, God’s authority and His Sabbath will be put into proper perspective. The strength and authority of His law will be plainly seen. Until this occurs, this topic remains a matter of prophetic faith.

If we honor the Sabbath hours by resting from our work and labor, we honor God. If we honor God, He will bless us. The Lord told Isaiah, “’If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speak idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.’ The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 58: 13,14)

Sabbath Observance

What principles do we apply to the dairy farmer, the nurse, the cook, and the policeman? Here is my personal view of this matter: The Lord’s Day is the Lord’s Day  - all day long- from sunset to sunset. (Genesis 1; Leviticus 23:32) The Sabbath was made for man to be a rest, both physically and spiritually, or a day of renewal each week. God wants us to prepare all week for the Sabbath. Jesus wants us to enjoy the Lord’s Day and call it a delight. The weekly Sabbath is not for God’s benefit, but ours! When we honor the Sabbath commandment, we exalt the “Lord of the Sabbath!”

Preparation for the Lord’s Day is important. In ancient times, the Jews did not have names for the days of the week. They used numbers such as the “the first of seven” for Sunday, or “the third day of the week” for Tuesday. After the Babylonian captivity, the sixth ay of the week became known as “The Preparation” or “the day of preparation.” This title summarized the importance of being prepared for the Lord’s Day. (Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54)

As I understand it, actions that bring the blessing of Sabbath rest to others are permissible on Sabbath. Whether you prepare a good meal for a patient or help victims from a tornado, the Sabbath was made for man. Yes, the dairy farmer has to milk his cows. Yes, the doctor may be called for an emergency. Yes, the nurse may need to render care and the preacher may have to work harder on Sabbath than any other day. But, the first consideration that people need to address when trying to resolve this matter for themselves is this: How can I submit to the demands of the fourth commandment and still honor the Lord on His holy day with deeds of compassion?

Imposing Work on Others

The fourth commandment says that we are not to impose work upon others under our dominion, whether man or animal, on the Sabbath. This issue raises some interesting questions. Would it be appropriate for God to create the Sabbath and then force humanity to work on the Lord’s Day while he rests? No, of course not. God is fair and just and He wants us to follow His lead. If the Ruler of the Universe gives rest to His servants each week, then each of us, as God’s servants, must give our dominion (those under our management) rest as well.

A Holy Day Not a Holiday

The Bible says the world and all that is in it belongs to God. (Psalms 24:1) This means that human beings are stewards of “God’s property.” (Matthew 25:14; Leviticus 25:23) Jesus is the Landlord of Earth. Jesus is also the owner or “the Lord of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27,28) Observing the seventh day reminds humankind each week that we are not the owners of time and possessions. Notice how this works: Observing the Lord’s Day always puts a person at odds with the pace and activities of this world. (This is a world in rebellion against God’s will and His ways.) From the beginning of time, antagonism between God’s Sabbath and the world has existed. God set apart a day for Himself and His children which not only offers physical rest, but also offers a time to spiritually reconnect with God each week. To the carnal mind, the Sabbath conflicts with our use of time or our pursuit of wealth and pleasure. To the spiritual mind, the Sabbath is a “time out” from managing the assets God has given us. (Matthew 6:33) The command to rest on the seventh day may sound easy to do, but in fact, “resting” according to god’s commandment has financial and social consequences in a world that has no respect for God. Keeping the Sabbath day holy can mean loss of income, job or a career. Yet, we need to remember that we really do not own these things in the first place. For some people, keeping the Lord’s Day holy means rejection and ridicule by family members and friends. The devil has done and will do everything possible to make sure that the world forgets or rejects God’s Sabbath. But, we can be sure of one thing: if we are willing to honor the Creator by resting on His holy day, we find a faith experience. God sustains whatever we lay down so that when we resume our management of His assets after Sabbath, nothing will be lost or hurt. The devil is able to bring ruin and loss, but God owns everything and He will recover His losses if we are faithful. This may seem scary, but it is also the exciting part of living by faith. Observing God’s Sabbath involves risk and the presence of risk proves necessity for faith. If we are faith-full with all that God has given us to manage, we can be sure that Jesus will reward in full every faithful steward at the Second Coming. (Matthew 25:23)

The faith-full people who honor the Lord by keeping His Sabbath holy will come to know the “Lord of the Sabbath” more intimately. God will bless the people who look forward to entering into God’s rest each week by giving them His eternal rest. (Hebrews 4) This is why God said: “The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.” (Exodus 31:16,17)

Summary

The blessing surrounding the fourth commandment is both timeless and universal. Unfortunately, the corporate race to make money and capture the market share has become a powerful economic force that has pushed God’s command to rest out of the weekly cycle. Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) These entities are diametrically opposed. The pursuit of money never ends and opportunities to compromise God’s Sabbath are limitless. Therefore, we have to be vigilant to “Remember the Sabbath Day.” If we plan to live in God’s eternal kingdom, then the principles of God’s kingdom need to be a priority in our lives. Honoring God’s Sabbath is a faith exercise that Jesus invites us to experience with Him each week. Obeying God when something important is at stake is the meaning of living by faith. I believe that if we forget the Sabbath, we will forget God. “If I were called upon to identify the principle trait of the entire 20^th century, I would be unable to find anyone more precise than to reflect once again on how we have lost touch with our Creator…Men have forgotten God.” (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Reader’s Digest, September 1986).

Memory Verse:  Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Quiz:

1. How would you explain or show proof to another person God’s true Sabbath Day from the Scriptures?

2. Is the fourth commandment as important as the other nine?

3.  What does God allow His children to do on the Sabbath Day?

4. Are we right by imposing work upon others on the Sabbath Day or is it just for ourselves?

5. Does the keeping of the Sabbath Day create faith?

6. What is living by faith mean to you right now in your life?

7. Would you be willing to share your faith with others today, tomorrow or when the need arises?

Notes:

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