What Jesus said about ... working on Sundays.
One Sabbath Jesus went to eat a meal at the home of one of the leading Pharisees ... a man whose legs and arms were swollen came to Jesus, and Jesus asked the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, “Does our Law allow healing on the Sabbath or not?” But they would not say anything. Jesus took the man, healed him, and sent him away. Then He said to them, “If any one of you had a son or an ox that happened to fall in a well on a Sabbath, would you not pull him out at once on the Sabbath itself?” But they were not able to answer Him about this. Luke 14: 1-6
Let's try to understand what Jesus, and God, said about working on the Sabbath (Sunday).
It is understandable that there are some jobs in our modern world that have to be done 24/7 and as a result people have to work on Sundays to ensure that such essential work is done. This was the same at the time of Jesus and He makes the point several times to the Pharisees and the Jewish elders who were more interested in "upholding the law" rather than being sympathetic and merciful to those who needed help and healing. They had a principle to uphold and they saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and position. So they opposed Him at every turn.
But how about this principle today? Having accepted that some people need to work 24/7; what about the rest of us?
Do we spend any time on Sundays in prayer? Going to church? Or even thinking about God? Or has our Sunday truly become a day of rest and totally ignoring its true meaning and principle?
And if we do go to church; has it become just a routine undertaking just to fulfil an obligation and we spend the time there looking at our watch and thinking about the golf game to follow?
I guess that for the most part these observation are hypothetical; because generally church attendance is down to single figures (in the UK) and Christianity seems to be in retreat.
But for those of us who do go to church; why do we do so? Let us honestly look at the mirror. What distinguishes us as a Christian compared to anyone else? Is going to church enough? Is keeping Sundays "holy" enough? Or are we missing the point entirely?
“Remember the
Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all
your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God." (Exodus 20:8-11).
NOTE: This post is part of a series of articles entitled "What Jesus said about ..." If you click the label "What Jesus said" at the end of the article you'll be able to access all the articles.
ReplyDeleteIf there are any topics you would like discussed in this series please write to me by clicking the "Contact us" tab at the top right of this page.
...Sunday has changed for many, including Christians.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. God bless, Tom.
DeleteI say this as someone about to head to church on this lovely Sunday morning. The biblical Sabbath is Friday evening to Saturday evening.
ReplyDeleteTrue, Christianity has its origins in the Jewish Faith.
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
God bless you too, Victor,
DeleteI am enjoying this series. It makes a good devotional THANKS!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jack. This series of articles will be included in my next book - a selection of devotionals to help people meditate on their Christian faith.
DeleteGod bless you and Sherry.
How are we honoring God and the Sabbath in modern times is a great question to pose to ourselves and others, Victor. Like Jack, I'm really enjoying this series, too. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha for your kind words about this series of posts. i shall include them in my next book of devotionals and prayers.
DeleteGod bless.
There are a few Catholic churches that are closing or merging with others due to the shortage of people in their congregations.
ReplyDeleteSadly it is the same here, Bill. Our priest has to serve two churches now; and it is the same elsewhere.
DeleteGod bless always.
I enjoy going to church very much. I love that our Pastor teaches the Bible and it is so nice to gather with my church family. Love singing the old hymns and just feel close to God being around other believers. It kind of gives you a head start for the week. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen K. You are fortunate to have found a good church.
DeleteGod bless.
It is a great thought - I know I don't do it - I hate to admit. I do go to church on Sunday. Saturday was their Sabbath.
ReplyDeleteOver here you can either go to church on Saturday evening (5:30pm) or on Sunday.
DeleteGod bless you, Chatty Crone.
Querido VÃctor, creo en Dios y rezo, pero dejé de creer en la iglesia y todos los dÃas son para mi el dÃa del Señor , los domingos los dedico a mi familia, ella es mi pequeña iglesia donde se respeta y se ama a Dios.
ReplyDeleteAbrazos y te dejo un besito, que tengas un feliz inicio de semana.
TRANSLATION: Dear Victor, I believe in God and I pray, but I stopped believing in the church and every day is the Lord's Day for me, I dedicate Sundays to my family, it is my little church where God is respected and loved.
DeleteHugs and I leave you a kiss, have a happy start to the week.
Thank you Liz. Yes, we can pray every day; and it is also good to go to church once a week on Saturday or Sunday. God bless you and your family.
No, I don't think occupying space in a church pew makes one a better Christian than she who sits and communes with the Lord in private. I hate to say it, but there are times lately (that) our congregation's ministry serves only to make me feel provoked; resentful, even.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point, Mevely. I know what you mean.
DeleteThere are times when in church I feel irritated too. Especially when we have a choir screeching or a solo singer going on for 5 minutes or more and the congregation is waiting for her to finish.
I believe (God forgive me) that they do it to self-promote and they think they have great voices and this is there chance to shine. I can see God reaching for His headaches tablets whenever they start.
God bless, my friend. Just persevere and as far you can pray silently one-to-one to God.
Over the years Sundays have changed, the number who actually attend Church has dropped dramatically.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that our local Churches welcome you not only on Sundays but other days of the week too ... the door is always open and we now have 'drop in sessions' for people to meet and if wanted join in fellowship.
All the best Jan
Yes Jan, in the UK regular church attendance each week (all denominations combined) is down to 5% of the population.
DeleteYou are fortunate your church is always open. Over here churches are locked because of vandalism and burglars.
God bless you, Jan.
All the best. ❤️
ReplyDeleteGod bless CM.
DeleteI do enjoy going to church, I go get the adult disabled friend and she comes with me while my husband sings in the choir.
ReplyDeleteAs for work, I will accept dog or cat sitting jobs on Sunday because the critters must be cared for every day of the week, but other work, like the regular housekeeping, can wait.
It's good to go to church as a family. God bless, Mimi.
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