Old and New: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistryNäide

Remember Sabbath now

The wording of the Third Commandment has confused a lot of Christians. God’s “Big Ten” are an extremely handy summary of his will for how he wants us to treat him (#1-3) and how he wants us to treat one another (#4-10). The Ten are learned by heart by children in every decent Sunday school in the world. Even though the wording is found in the Old Testament (Exodus 20), it expresses timeless moral truth, not just temporary ceremonial law.

Except for #3. Sabbath is timeless; the Sabbath "day" was intended to be a temporary regulation. St. Paul helped Christians who grew up in the Old Covenant make the transition: “Do not let anyone judge you . . . concerning a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come” (Colossians 2:16,17). You are free to worship God on any or all days of the week. You may choose to work for a company that wants you on the job every Saturday. You can work around the home on Saturday without sinning.

Why? Because what matters is "Sabbath", i.e., your happy relationship with God. What matters is enjoying God’s love for you and loving him back. What matters is worship. What matters is trusting and believing in Jesus with all your heart. Here is his Sabbath promise to you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest [i.e., Sabbath]” (Matthew 11:28).