Sabbath: The Day and the Way

Biblically, in both OT and NT, it is quite clear that "Sabbath" refers to the 7th day of the week. Saturday. Most of us can count. :) But, Sabbath was not given to establish 'when' we worship but 'who' we worship and 'who' we are. To crown creation week, God shows up and visits with His image bearers. In Gen 1 and 2 there are two reasons presented for creation. 1: To remind us we are God's image bearers and Sabbath is the day of reimaging. 2: To remind us we are one as God is one - bonded in flesh and spirit with our spouse and God. Creation is about Identity and community. Sabbath is about 'who' God is. He's the Creator of all that is. Created in His image, we Sabbath to remember His creative power and be recreated by Him each week. Sabbath is also about 'who' God's people are. We are not human doings. We are human beings. Sabbath is a day for being in the presence of God. Resting in Him so He can set up shop once again within us. The ultimate definition of Sabbath was seen in the Sabbath 'keeping' of Jesus. God in the flesh dedicated the 7th day to worship and justice. He made a Sabbath habit of going to synagogue. He also made a Sabbath habit of healing the broken. Worship and Justice. He lived what He preached. The two greatest commandments, according to Jesus, were "Love God. Love each other." These ultimate commandments were most evident in His life on the Sabbath. So, when is the Sabbath? Day 7. What is the Sabbath? A day of worship and justice. Why Sabbath? Because you bear His image and it needs buffing up regularly!