Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work – you, or your son or your daughter.
Deuteronomy 5:12-14
The Book of Deuteronomy (from the Greek word meaning "second law") is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible, and of the Jewish Torah/Pentateuch. This passage is part of a sermon delivered to the Israelites by Moses before they entered the Promised Lands and is part of the Deuteronomic Code for how the Israelites should conduct themselves in Canaan.
Since the beginning of the early Church, "Sabbath" has been considered the first day of the week, Sunday, as a celebration of the new beginning for us with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although we are blessed with this grace and are no longer commanded by God to follow the Deuteronomic Code, this commandment is part of God's framework for us. God ceased His labor after working six days in creation. And since God made man in His image, we, likewise, need rest. His intended design combines work, exercise, solitude, fun, reflection, rest, etc. all in seven days. Because we are human, not taking time for any of these upsets the balance of life that he has chosen for us and leads to burnout of our physical, emotional and spiritual selves. A rested person listens to and communicates with God better and carries out the Plan He has for each of us more effectively. The Sabbath should be a joyous day for us to show our love for Him, a day to break our hectic rhythm and let Him recharge us. Let rest be a choice you make for God.
Cindy Carrier
