Whether you believe the Sabbath is on
Saturday or Sunday, it is a day considered holy. It should be considered that
since God has made it so.
“For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that
is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the
Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Exodus 20:11
“So God blessed the seventh day and made it
holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” Genesis 2:3
I was reading Nehemiah,
and noticed that Ezra told the people how to act on a holy day. The priest had
read the law to all of Israel and the people began to weep because they saw how
badly they had been acting. They saw the beauty of God’s laws and were sorry
they had not followed it.
“Then Nehemiah…said to them all, “This day
is holy to the LORD your
God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they
listened to the words of the Law.
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food
and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day
is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The Levites calmed all
the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Then all the people went
away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great
joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” Nehemiah 8:9-12
I think
this is example is very important. Yes, we need to acknowledge our sins, but
then rejoice immediately by a feast celebration and go on to do good to others
by sharing our food. It would be wonderful if every church did this on Sabbagth; celebrate with a meal and give food to the poor.
Sadness
saps our strength,
Joy strengthens us.
Choose joy.
