The Sabbath In Modern Times

[SlaveForJah]

I'd say the Sabbath is worthy of its own thread, just so we can get everyones input.[/b]

Hello Brothers and Sisters, May Jehovah be with you today.

So, as per James' suggestion, I've decided to put up this thread on the Sabbath, and how it relates to our lives as worshippers of Jehovah God and followers of Jesus Christ.

Anyone who would like to share their thoughts or perhaps personal views or family practices are welcome to do so. As always, Scriptural support is encouraged. Ok...ready? Go!

Agape

SlaveForJah

[Candace]

Eggs and Elevators

*** it-1 p. 1088 Hen, II ***

Certain rabbinic laws forbade the eating of eggs laid on the Sabbath day, since it was held that this constituted work on the part of the hen; some, however, allowed the eating of the eggs if the hen was one kept for eating and not for laying. (Babylonian Talmud, Bezah 2a, B) The Bible, however, contains no such rules.

*** w96 9/1 p. 17 The Law of the Christ ***

The Pharisees were largely responsible for the form of Judaism that exists today, so it is not surprising that Judaism still seeks loopholes in its many added Sabbath restrictions. For example, a visitor to an orthodox Jewish hospital on the Sabbath may find that the elevator automatically stops on every floor so that the passengers can avoid doing the sinful “work” of pushing an elevator button. Some orthodox doctors write out prescriptions in ink that will vanish in a few days. Why? The Mishnah classifies writing as “work,” but it defines “writing” as leaving a lasting mark.

When you compare the above to what the Sabbath is really all about, you see a stark contrast between the thoughts of men and Jehovah's thoughts.

*** rs p. 350 - p. 351 Sabbath ***

There is a thousand-year “sabbath” rest that lies ahead for mankind

Mark 2:27, 28: “[Jesus] went on to say to them: ‘The sabbath came into existence for the sake of man, and not man for the sake of the sabbath; hence the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath.’”

Jesus knew that Jehovah had instituted the Sabbath as a sign between God and Israel, and that it was meant to bring them relief from their labors. Jesus also was aware that his own death would provide the basis for setting aside the Mosaic Law as having found its fulfillment in him. He appreciated that the Law, with its sabbath requirement, provided “a shadow of the good things to come.” (Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:16, 17) In connection with those “good things” there is a “sabbath” of which he is to be Lord.

As Lord of lords, Christ will rule all the earth for a thousand years. (Rev. 19:16; 20:6; Ps. 2:6-8) While on earth, Jesus mercifully performed some of his most amazing works of healing on the Sabbath, thus demonstrating the kind of relief that he will bring to people out of all nations during his Millennial Reign. (Luke 13:10-13; John 5:5-9; 9:1-14) Those who appreciate the real meaning of the Sabbath will have opportunity also to benefit from that “sabbath” rest.

What a contrast! How much nicer to view the Sabbath the way it was meant to be viewed.

[SlaveForJah]

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you Candace for your helping us to see the Sabbath for its principles as Jehovah intended, rather than through the lens of man-made traditions.

I am still wondering though, why would the Sabbath be the only one of the Ten Commandments that we as Christians do not feel we should follow. I realize we are not under the Law, but are still to be guided by its principles. With that in mind, why do we not murder, or blashpeme, or covet our neighbor's wife? Is there something different inherent the PRINCIPLE of Sabbath observance than there is in the PRINCIPLE of honoring your parents?

Any thoughts anyone?


Searching

SlaveForJah

[watchman]

I am still wondering though, why would the Sabbath be the only one of the Ten Commandments that we as Christians do not feel we should follow. I realize we are not under the Law, but are still to be guided by its principles. With that in mind, why do we not murder, or blashpeme, or covet our neighbor's wife? Is there something different inherent the PRINCIPLE of Sabbath observance than there is in the PRINCIPLE of honoring your parents?

SlaveForJah[/b]

Maybe it is because, unlike other commandments, the Sabbath had prophetic significance. Paul pointed out that Christians had entered into Jehovah's rest, provided they continue to excercise faith. And Jesus referred to himself as Lord of the Sabbath, which has reference to Jesus' kingdom rule of 1,000 years.

Watchman

[SlaveForJah]

<div class='quotemain'>I am still wondering though, why would the Sabbath be the only one of the Ten Commandments that we as Christians do not feel we should follow. I realize we are not under the Law, but are still to be guided by its principles. With that in mind, why do we not murder, or blashpeme, or covet our neighbor&#39;s wife? Is there something different inherent the PRINCIPLE of Sabbath observance than there is in the PRINCIPLE of honoring your parents?

SlaveForJah[/b]

Maybe it is because, unlike other commandments, the Sabbath had prophetic significance. Paul pointed out that Christians had entered into Jehovah&#39;s rest, provided they continue to excercise faith. And Jesus referred to himself as Lord of the Sabbath, which has reference to Jesus&#39; kingdom rule of 1,000 years.

Watchman

[/b][/quote]

Hello Watchman,

Thank you for your reply. I agree with your statement and with Paul&#39;s reference to Jehovah&#39;s rest being faith-based. I also that the Sabbath was prophetically pointing to Christ&#39;s reign as King. I guess what I don&#39;t get is this...isn&#39;t ALL of our worship towards Jehovah faith-based, including our observance of the rest of the Ten Commandments? We don&#39;t steal because we have faith that it is morally wrong according to our understanding of Jehovah&#39;s person and His view of interpersonal relationships, not merely because it happens to be against a national or local code of laws. The same goes for adultery, murder, bearing false witness, and the rest. Additionally, if the "true" Sabbath is equated with the coming Millennium...then would we not still be liable to follow some sort of restful observation of Jehovah&#39;s rest until such time as the Kingdom begins ruling?

Just thinking out loud. Help is always appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Agape

SlaveForJah