The Sabbath
And on account of this the Jews went to persecuting Jesus, because these things He was doing on the sabbath. But He answered them, My Father keeps on working until now, and as for myself, I also am continually working.
John 5:16-17 (Wuest)
Jesus was persecuted because He took care of the needy on the Sabbath. Throughout history, caring for the needs of livestock and people was something that needed doing every day. We do not stop feeding and changing a baby because it is the Sabbath. Everyone who decides to "not work" on the sabbath must determine what "work" means.
Perhaps the Sabbath was meant for us to cease our "normal" activities and concentrate on our relationships with God and each other. The healing of the sick would classify as aiding the relationships with others.
Jesus also reminded the religious crowd that God is always at work and, since He is God, He, too, is always at work. God, being the creator and sustainer of life, is sustaining every day, all day. He is always available, always present, and always ready to help.
The Sabbath seems to be about pausing to ensure our relationships are cared for, not for neglecting others because we are on a break from life. It is good to set aside time to make sure we feed our relationships. Growing up in a pastor's house, my parents worked hard and long whenever church was open, and I saw that life happens seven days a week.
If we apply the principle of the Sabbath, we work at regularly changing our place and place, which often challenges our perspective. This process will look different because each person is different. We all need to take time to enjoy God and each other, and be responsible and get our work finished.
John 5:16-17 (Wuest)
Jesus was persecuted because He took care of the needy on the Sabbath. Throughout history, caring for the needs of livestock and people was something that needed doing every day. We do not stop feeding and changing a baby because it is the Sabbath. Everyone who decides to "not work" on the sabbath must determine what "work" means.
Perhaps the Sabbath was meant for us to cease our "normal" activities and concentrate on our relationships with God and each other. The healing of the sick would classify as aiding the relationships with others.
Jesus also reminded the religious crowd that God is always at work and, since He is God, He, too, is always at work. God, being the creator and sustainer of life, is sustaining every day, all day. He is always available, always present, and always ready to help.
The Sabbath seems to be about pausing to ensure our relationships are cared for, not for neglecting others because we are on a break from life. It is good to set aside time to make sure we feed our relationships. Growing up in a pastor's house, my parents worked hard and long whenever church was open, and I saw that life happens seven days a week.
If we apply the principle of the Sabbath, we work at regularly changing our place and place, which often challenges our perspective. This process will look different because each person is different. We all need to take time to enjoy God and each other, and be responsible and get our work finished.
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