The Fourth Commandment | Exodus 20:8-11

What is so important about the Sabbath?

In Scripture, we see that the Sabbath was established in creation by God. God rested on the seventh day. He didn't rest for rejuvenation but for exultation. God set the pattern for our lives; that we would be reminded of our created nature and step away and exult God for who He is and what He has done.

God not only sets up the Sabbath pattern in creation, but He commands it in the law. In God's sabbath command, he commands diligent work and dependent rest that we might not be sufficient in ourselves.

The Sabbath, like the other commands, finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus is our Sabbath rest because in Him strivings cease, and we can rightly exalt the Father.

Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath and the law, but that doesn't mean that the law of God becomes void. The law finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ but the law of God still shows us as Christians how we can love God and others fully.

We now observe the Sabbath by depending on God, enjoying His good gifts, and worshipping him.

Resources

• Podcast - Rest by Alistair Groves

• Article - 3 Reasons Sundays is Not the Christian Sabbath by Stephen Wellum

• Article - Should Christians Keep the Sabbath by Scott Hubbard

Reflection Questions:

• How do you practice the Sabbath in your life?

• What might it look like to reorient your life around the idea of Sabbath?