Worship Wednesday [LATE EDITION]: The Sabbath Is For Us
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” So spoke Jesus of Nazareth in the second chapter of the book of Mark. The religious leaders of the day had taken a good command from God (Exodus 23:12, Deut. 5:12,14) and made it a burden for the people. What God had established as a counter-cultural day for restoration, the culture had turned into a strict task motivated by guilt.
If we are not careful, we can fall into the same trap today. Hard work is a hallmark of Iowan and even American culture. We take fewer breaks, shorter vacations, and place a high value on task accomplishment. This is not entirely bad, but in such a society, Sunday gatherings become a burden. Church attendance becomes a strict task motivated by guilt. This was never God’s intent. Made in His image, we were created to work, but also to rest. Sabbath was meant as a gift. May we receive it!
As we walk toward Sunday, whether leading or simply gathering with the congregation, let us pray for a fresh longing for Sabbath. Christ would have us enter His rest. His words in Matthew 11:28 are clear: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Lord, make us eager to enter Your rest, and in so doing, point others to do the same.