The Benefits of the Sabbath

What is the meaning of the word ‘Sabbath’?

Introductory verses about the gift of the Sabbath

And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2-3

Look at the following verses and note what benefits you can see related to God’s Sabbath gift

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

   Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58:13-14

Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:11-12

So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. Luke 4:16

 Conclusion

Many people are prone to, or forced to, work too much. Many people are so busy they do not get sufficient rest and refreshment. People who do not get enough rest often get run down and suffer illness. Over-tired people are also more prone to make dangerous mistakes while driving or working, endangering themselves and others.  

Further, given many of us are so busy, often we fail to find the time to visit, encourage or help others as we should. The Sabbath provides many Christians with the opportunity to do more of these essential things. Of course we should be doing these things more than once a week, but the reality is sometimes we lack the time or fail to make the time. Having available the guaranteed 24 hour time period of the Sabbath every week is certainly a great advantage. It provides us with a great opportunity each week to share with others and show them our love. 

Also having one set day for rest, worship, moral/Christian teaching and fellowship is great morally for families and the family of God. Every Christian has talents, gifts, and love to share with the body of Christ. A set day for all provides a wonderful additional opportunity for this sharing, learning and hence for the spiritual growth of all.

The Sabbath is a great day to draw near to God and to grow in our relationship with Him.