What does it mean to keep the Sabbath day holy?

As some of you may know, I am a seventh day Sabbatarian, having found no evidence in Scripture that God changed His day of rest from the seventh day to the first as is common practice in churches today. As you read my comments, please keep this in mind...

I've been thinking a lot about Exodus 20:8 where God says, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy". So exactly what does it mean in this context to keep the Sabbath holy? Many Christians, if asked this question, would probably say that it means going to church and worshipping on that day. They might point to Hebrews 10:25 which talks of "not neglecting to meet together" as a proof text. I wonder, however, if this is what Scripture is really telling us.

Looking at the fourth commandment in context, here is what God says...

8 “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 a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Now if I'm to read these verses a single thought (concluded with the "therefore" in verse 11), it seems that to keep the Sabbath holy means that you don't do any work. In other words, to be holy is to rest. Note how verse 11 says that God blessed the Sabbath and made it holy. There's nothing that says that God made the Sabbath for worship, nor does it say that our worship makes it holy. It just sets God's expectation that we must rest one day a week, and particularly on the seventh day of the week.

Adding to the idea that holiness and rest are one in the same, I think that it's worthwhile to look at how the Sabbath is portrayed throughout the rest of Scripture. In Numbers 15:32-36 we see a man stoned to death for gathering sticks (presumably for a fire on the Sabbath, which was prohibited in Exodus 35:3), but we see no such penalty for failing to worship God on the Sabbath. In Nehemiah 13:16-18, we see the Jews buying and selling goods in Jerusalem on the Sabbath, which Nehemiah refers to as "this evil thing". There are also many references in Scripture where God speaks of profaning the Sabbath, yet none of those appears to be for lack of worship.

Perhaps the closest thing that I could find for instruction to worship on the Sabbath was found in Numbers 28:9-10...

9 “On the Sabbath day, two male lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering, mixed with oil, and its drink offering: 10 this is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, besides the regular burnt offering and its drink offering." 

But also note that this Sabbath day offering is in addition to "the regular burnt offering" which was twice daily (Numbers 28:3-4). As a matter of worship, God expected Israel to worship every day with a little extra on the Sabbath.

So I am curious to know if anyone knows of any Scripture that explicitly commands worship on the Sabbath. There is certainly Scripture that supports the idea that the Israelites met in the synagogue on the Sabbath and that teaching took place during this time. Jesus also healed on the Sabbath in the synagogue (Luke 6:6-11). But whether these activities are what make the Sabbath day "holy" is unclear to me. As far as I can tell at the moment, holiness and rest are synonymous in the fourth commandment. If this is true then I would think that we should be careful, no matter which day we call the Sabbath, not to confuse worship and rest as an act of holiness. When I was a part of the institutional church there were many worship activities on Sunday. So many, in fact, that Sundays were exhausting.  And yet with all of this "worship" activity, there was barely a moment to stop and contemplate what the Lord had done for us in salvation. The person and work of Christ were mere afterthoughts. Never once in almost 60 years of attending church services can I ever remember pausing on a Sunday to meditate on God's immeasurable gift of eternal life. At best you might think about it during the sermon (lecture) or while singing a hymn, but the time spent in church during the service was clearly partitioned from the rest of your activities once the services ended. It was as though the object of our worship was lost in the worship activities. And God's rest was not present because I was focused on "doing church right" rather than praising my Creator.

11 On the way to Jerusalem [Jesus] was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-17)

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    • There are many pieces to this puzzle: scripturally, historically, linguistically, anthropologically, spiritually. I hope that there are some pieces in here that will be a blessing to you.

      Regarding the perpetual covenant (Exodus 31:16) of keeping the Sabbath day Holy (Exodus 20:8, 31:14-15, 35:2) and sanctifying it because he rested (Genesis 2:3; Deuteronomy 5:12, 15; Nehemiah 13:22.)

      Holy is defined in the above scriptures as:

      • Strong’s Hebrew 6942: qadash: a primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce, or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
      • Strong’s Hebrew 6944: qodesh: from 6942; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract sanctity

      1. Cease from thine own

      I find the simplest, historical, scriptural answer in Isaiah 58:13-14 and in line with Ezekiel 20:16 and Amos 8:5. The Sabbath was to stop self-seeking, self-serving, and self-gain

      • Isaiah 58:13-14 KJV — "13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
      • Ezekiel 20:16 KJV — "Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols."
      • Amos 8:5 KJV — "Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?"

      God created and did so for his own pleasure. Then God rested from his works Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 31:17:

      • Revelation 4:11 KJV - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

      The Hebrew people were concrete and carnally minded. Physical prosperity and genealogical expansion was a primary focus, aside from feeding the flesh worldly pleasures. Day to day activities would consist of seeking to expand one owns wealth. God calls for the cessation of doing for self.

      Stories included condemnation for preparation of work as though someone might deem it not work:

      • Bear no burden Jeremiah 17:21-27 (Carrying items in the gates or out of the home to sell, or in preparation to sell.)
      • No fires Exodus 35:3 (Preparing foods or victuals by fire; performed for servicing or sales. It was permitted to light a fire for light and heat.)
      • Carrying in and out victuals & fish Nehemiah 3:15-22 (For the purpose of selling)
      • Gathering sticks Numbers 15:32-36 (sticks: Strong’s Hebrew 6086 ates: a tree (from its firmness); hence wood (plural sticks). Wood used as lumber; also translated as carpenter, gallows, timber, etc. This wood was gathered for carpentry work.)

      God asked his people to set the Sabbath day apart to stop focusing on self and solely focus on God.

      As a sign & memorial (Exodus 31:13, 17; Deuteronomy 5:15; Ezekiel 20:12, 20)

      • “it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.”
      • “It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever”
      • “remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm”
      • “to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them”
      • “they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God”

      Finally, for point 1, regarding food and God’s provision (Exodus 16:23, 25-26, 29), God had required his people not to gather food on the Sabbath to prove whether or not they would be obedient to him:

      • Exodus 16:4 KJV - "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."

      2. Holy Convocation, Staying in Place, & the Synagogue

      It wasn’t until after Solomon’s Temple was destroyed that synagogues are first seen. Scripturally, we find two scenarios: the weekly Sabbath convocation and the law to stay in one’s own place.

      • Stay in own place: Exodus 16:29 KJV - "See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day."
      • Sabbath convocation: Leviticus 23:3 KJV - "Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings."

      The word convocation is the equivalent to church. The only difference is convocation is something called out and church is a “calling out”.

      • Convocation: Strong’s Hebrew 4744: miqra: from 7121; something called out, i.e. public meeting (the act, the persons, or the pace); also a rehearsal
      • Compared to: church: Strong’s Greek 1577: a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of member on earth or saints in heaven or both) 

      For those who were non-Levites, there were no priestly tabernacle or temple duties for them. (Unlike for the royal priesthood of believers today) Animal sacrifices and offerings would have been prepared and brought on the 6th day (preparation day). There was no requirement given to gather for the reading of the law. There was also the remembering of the redemption from Egypt that they were to recall on the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 15:5): recalling how they remained inside their homes, eating together, and focusing on the Lord as the angel of death passed over. In Nehemiah 8:1-2 both men and women gathered in the street outside the Watergate and the book of the law was read to them from morning until midday. Whether “dwellings” from the start meant both home and city, or it evolved to include the city, “dwelling” remains to be accepted by many as being within the city. Taken from Numbers 35:5, the city was measured to be two thousand cubits, or roughly three quarters of a mile. This became known as a Sabbath’s day’s journey; so as to not walk outside the limits of one’s dwelling place. Thus, it is right to say that the synagogue originally had nothing to do with keeping the Sabbath.

      Other convocation Sabbaths not detailed here includes:

      Holy-day Sabbaths Exodus 12:15-16, 13:6; Leviticus 16:29, 31, 23:8, 11, 15-16, 24, 32, 39; Numbers 28:25-26, 29:12, 35; Deuteronomy 16:8; Ezekiel 45:18-20

      Jubilee Sabbath Leviticus 25:2-13

      Millennial Sabbath Isaiah 66:23-24

      Other scriptures not detailed here

      Tribulation Matthew 24:20-21; Sabbath song Psalm 92:1-15

      3. Priestly Sabbath Work

      The only work permitted on the Sabbath was that of the priestly Levites as they served God in the tabernacles/temples:

      • Deuteronomy 10:8 KJV - "At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day."

      Also:

      Sabbath Atonements Exodus 29:36-37

      Sabbath Frankincense Leviticus 24:7-8

      Sabbath Shewbread 1 Chronicles 9:32

      Sabbath Gates Ezekiel 46:1, 12

      Sabbath Sacrifice Numbers 28:9-10; Ezekiel 46:4-5

      Thus, it was not the labor of ministering that was to cease, but the laboring for self that was to cease.

      • Matthew 12:5 KJV - "Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?"

      4. Sabbath Grace & Stewardship

      It was made clear that no one, other than the Levites, were to work (Exodus 20:10-11, 31:14-15, 34:21, 35:2; Deuteronomy 5:13-14)

      The second purpose of the Sabbath was a gift of God’s grace to relieve man of physical and mental burdens, as well as, physical pain and suffering;. The Sabbath was a blessed day as opposed to the days wherein man toils: “cursed is the ground” and “In the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread, till thou return unto the ground…” Genesis 3:17-19. The Sabbath was given to man that all may be refreshed (Exodus 23:12, 31:17). The definition of refreshed is seen in Strong’s Hebrew 5314: naphash: a primitive rood: to breath; passively, to be breathed upon, i.e. (figuratively) refreshed (as if, by a current of air).

      The Sabbath was both a receiving and a giving. Not only was it a receiving from God and a giving to God, but man was also appointed the responsibility of being a steward of his grace. Any grace that is received from God is to be shown to others. This is seen first in Exodus 23:12; wherein one is to rest that all those serving under them may be refreshed:

      Exodus 23:12 KJV - "Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine *** may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed."

      This is also seen within the Messiah’s ministry:

      • Plucking and eating grain on Sabbath Matthew 12:1-8/Deuteronomy 15:8, 11
      • Lifting out sheep/ox Matthew 12:9-13, Mark 3:1-5/ Luke 14:1-6
      • Healing on Sabbath Luke 13:10-17; John 5:5-18, 7:22-23, 9:14-16

      The Sabbath in and of itself is to Love God and to Love Others; all the while the Love of God and the love of others is to be shown to you.

      5. The Promise Land of Sabbath

      There was yet another Sabbath which God promised, to his chosen, that they would one day enter into.

      • Deuteronomy 12:8-10 KJV - "Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you. But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;"

      6. The Absolute Sabbath Day

      The Sabbath, as it were in the first covenant, was not relative to times zones. In short, as the Sanhedrin kept close watch and reported lunar sighting that marked days and occasions, the surrounding cities would report to more distant cities, so that all would observe the right day and time. The Sabbath was always according to Jerusalem time and would roughly start around 6pm or 7pm in the evening. Technically, someone on Pacific time in the Pacific Northwest USA, who observed Sabbath Friday evening would be ten hours late and could be in violation of the true original Sabbath. Services held after 9am Saturday would technically be observing on Sunday according to Jerusalem time.

      7. Sabbath Fulfillment

      The original covenant that contained the law, which contained the commandment concerning the Sabbath, was not changed, was not abolished or destroyed, and was not left the same. It was fulfilled.

      Understanding fulfillment is needed to understanding how the Sabbath was fulfilled. Frist some comparisons: The flesh is not abolished it is fulfilled with a born again spirit, a new creature and empowered by the Holy Spirit. (John 3:6, 8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15) It then has the ability to operate how it is intended. The convocation (called out/assembly) was the church operating in the physical without the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 7:38 KJV - "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:" It was then regenerated to spiritually operate, (this is a whole study alone), and became known as an ekklesia (a calling out/assembly)…and so on with the agriculture, feasts, etc. Additionally, the covenant was prophesied to be confirmed (Daniel 9:27). The word “confirm” is Strong’s Hebrew 1396: gabar: a primitive root; to be strong; by implication to prevail, act insolently. It is also rendered as “put to more [strength]” and “strengthen”. The word “new” in “new covenant, found in Hebrews 8:8, 13 and 12:24 is Strong’s Greek 2537: kainos: new (especially in freshness; while 3501 is properly so with respect to age). The new covenant is the upgraded version of the old covenant.

      Here is an analogy: imagine a computer without proper CPU memory and graphics card, without a firewall, with an unstable virus software, and low power supply. The computer is then tasked to open a folder to access details on how to perform another task and the whole computer freezes or a virus is let in and the whole computer shuts down. The words are still good and the tasks on the computer still need to be completed, so the tower shell is gutted. A fail proof virus software is provided (the Sacrificial Lamb), a new power supply is installed (the born again sprit with the indwelling Holy Spirit), proper memory is given (the power and gifts of Holy Spirit), and an upgraded graphics card is provided (spiritual revelation 1 Corinthians 2:14). The computer is strengthened and made new.

      The law calls mankind to holiness. The new covenant reveals how to do so spiritually.

      • Leviticus 19:2-3 KJV - "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God."
      • Romans 7:12 KJV - "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
      • 1 Peter 1:15-25 KJV - "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

      This spiritual fulfillment is seen in the keeping of the Sabbath:

      1. Keeping Sabbath by Faith - Hebrews 3:10-4:2 recalls those who did not believe and therefore did not enter into God’s rest. Without faith no one can keep the Sabbath holy. (Hebrews 4:3-6). Without faith it is impossible to please him (Hebrews 11:6).
      2. Keeping Sabbath Spiritually – Without God’s law written on man’s heart and without a spiritual birth, God’s people showed that they could not keep one day set apart from seeking their own. Fleshly living is eagerly focused on self-gain. Recall Isaiah 58:13-14; Ezekiel 20:16; Amos 8:5. When one ceases from the works of their own flesh they have entered into God’s rest. Hebrews 4:10 KJV - "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." With the new covenant, God’s people are born of the spirit and have the Holy spirit indwelling them, and the law of God is written on their hears: giving them the power to walk in the spirit, seek what pleases God, not seek earthy wealth, seeking the wealth of others, share all things, and continue daily in serving and loving the Lord and others:

      a.   Galatians 5:25 KJV - "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16 KJV - "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

      b.   Luke 9:23 KJV - "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

      c.   Romans 12:1 KJV - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." 1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV - "I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily."

      d.   Matthew 6:19-20 KJV - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"

      e.   1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV - "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."

      f.    Acts 2:44 KJV - "And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" Acts 2:45 KJV - "And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need."

      g.   Acts 2:46 KJV - "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

      h.   Acts 17:11 KJV - "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

      i.     1 Corinthians 7:29, 32-34 KJV - "29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; … 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband."

      j.     2 Corinthians 11:28 KJV - "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."

      k.   Romans 12:13 KJV - "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." 1 Timothy 6:18 KJV - "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

      l.   Ephesians 1:4 KJV - "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"

      m.  Recall the stewardship of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8; Matthew 12:9-13, Mark 3:1-5/ Luke 14:1-6; Luke 13:10-17; John 5:5-18, 7:22-23, 9:14-16)

      n.   Romans 13:10 KJV - "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Galatians 5:14 KJV - "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

      3. Promised Sabbath – (Hebrews 4:7-9) God’s people had not entered into the rest yet that God promised. “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Hebrews 4:11 KJV - "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

      a.   Faithful believers are spiritual beings (John 3:6); they are a part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). They follow a spiritual law (Romans 7:14) and are spiritually laboring for the Lord (John 6:27; Romans 16:6, 12; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Colossians 1:29; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 2:2; etc.) until receiving the promised inheritance (Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:11, 18; Colossians 1:12; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4; Psalms 37:9, 11, 22; Matthew 5:5)

      b.   Additionally considering that it is spiritually not the seventh day yet: 2 Peter 3:8 KJV - "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." John 9:4 KJV - "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

      Conclusion

      Colossians 2:16-17, 20-22 KJV - "16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. … 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?"

      "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:"

      Numbers 6:24-25 KJV

      • T

        This is an amazing bit of work, Kelly. I've read through this twice now and I'm not even sure how to begin to wrap my brain around it. But I plan to keep trying. More than anything, I love how you tied all of this back to Scripture without any apparent agenda. I very much appreciate how you seem to let Scripture speak for itself.

        Just a quick note to say that as I read through your comments I am trying to fit them into my original thesis that rest and holiness are one in the same. I think that what's driving this for me is the oppression that I feel from the clock as I get older. It's difficult enough to get up every day and work for my own gain. Yet on the one day per week that is (incorrectly) set aside by the church as the Sabbath, nothing feels much different than any other day of the week. Church begins at 11am with Sunday School at 9:45am. The sermon ends just after 12pm, then you visit with other people in the church until the doors are locked about an hour later. Evening church starts at 6pm, with an optional prayer service at 5:30pm. The "church" day ends at 8pm after what is often a long day of activity. The only rest is a nap between services.

        I find this all to be madness. It's the same thing that we do every other day of the week except that it's done in "believer" mode. There is nothing restful about it. And truth be told, there's not much holy about it either. For example, when I try to engage my fellow believers in a discussion of the joy that we experience in Christ's salvation, I get ignored. It's as though there are just certain times of the week that are allotted for this activity... Sunday during the hymn singing and Wednesday night Bible study. Otherwise, Jesus' sacrifice is just not something we generally discuss with others, even our fellow Christians. It's not forbidden to talk about it, but it's just not a part of who we are as Christians.

        I think that this is why I find myself so drawn to (and perhaps desperate for) the idea that one can be holy without checking off all of the weekly activities that at best make us appear to be holy. I want to ditch the superficiality of it all and get to something much deeper. Sixty years of checking all of the right boxes at the right times has left my soul in despair. It does nothing to build my faith or to encourage me to righteousness. Instead, it weighs as a heavy burden that strips me of the joy that I feel when considering what God has done for His people, the least of which is me.

        • Thank you for your graciousness. Please let me know if more clarity is needed. My brother, your words tell me that you are carrying a few burdens and that you are in need of rest. I have added additional pieces here concerning rest. I hope there is something in here that will be a blessing to you.

           Work, Rest & Holiness

          Rest and holiness are only one in the same if someone is ceasing from serving themselves. If someone’s primary focus for working day to day is to gain increase above their necessary needs in order to live in pleasure, they are not walking in holiness.

          • 1 Timothy 6:6-9 KJV - "6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."
          • Isaiah 55:1-3 KJV - "1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."

          Paul‘s occupation was a tentmaker. He may have done this to provide his necessary needs and even to help provide for the needs of others.

          • Acts 18:1-3 KJV - "1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”

          If someone is in an occupation, wherein they feel a spiritual void or hindrance, it would be beneficial for that person to fast and pray about the matter and consider a change in focus or a change in occupation. (Perhaps something in philanthropy; wherein their daily work is showing the love of Christ to others.) There are many with the gift of giving who enjoy working in order to financially provide for the church body, missionary work, and charitable needs. Working is not the root of the problem.

          Additionally, the scriptures collectively show that Paul’s primary focus was the Lord’s work, as well as, show how Paul daily dies to himself. Paul strived to live in holiness: having ceased from his own works of the flesh and spiritually laboring for God and others. For example, every Sabbath Paul, a Jew converted to following Yeshua HaMashiach/Jesus the Messiah, labored for the Lord and did not take a physical rest for himself.

          • Acts 18:4 KJV - "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks."

          It is a categorical statement to say, “Yet on the one day per week that is (incorrectly) set aside by the church as the Sabbath” It is false. While some people may believe that Sunday replaces the Sabbath, this is not true for all people, much less the church as a whole. Many people choose to assemble on Sunday simply because it is the day that our Lord resurrected.  

          Carnal Mindedness & Unrest

          A person can easily oppress (vex) their own soul when they operate in a carnal mind. They can also be easily oppressed and grieved when others operate in a carnal mind. Oppression is void of peace, and rest cohabitates with peace. Herein lays the root.  

          • Psalm 10:4 KJV - "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."
          • Isaiah 26:3 KJV - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
          • Romans 8:6 KJV - "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

          To be carnally minded is to be worldly minded. It does not say sinfully minded; yet carnally minded is still death. (This is a vast study on its own). Anyone who does not know how to think spiritually will only think carnally. This can be seen in occupational work and in church ministries. There are people who have not been taught and some of those people go on to teach others. This can spread into many churches; which fully operate in a carnal mind. This has been around for millennia:

          • Isaiah 29:13 KJV - "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:" (also Matthew 15: 8; Mark 7:6)
          • Romans 8:7 KJV - "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
          • 1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV - "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

          By the Holy Spirit, God will graciously reveal this to someone through the feeling of distance from God, lack of peace and rest; coupled with the oppression or void they feel spiritually. Though grievous to also observe, it is still possible to have peace and rest even when others remain to be carnal minded. When one’s own self is carnally minded there is no rest.

          One part of carnal mindedness is the lack of interest in talking about God outside church or even in between services. One might believe that this should be natural to do and desired for every believer. To say “it's just not a part of who we are as Christians” is a categorical statement. It is false. Rather, it is not a part of who we are as fleshly beings. It is a part of Christians who are exercising what they have been taught about spiritual mindedness and of those who are zealous and passionate for the things of God.

          Additionally, the scriptures tell that there are hypocrites, tares, wolves in sheep’s clothing, false brethren, false witnesses, false prophets, and false teachers. They will promote carnal mindedness, and plague and destroy churches from within. They will build their own assemblies and send out from within. This is not new. If we are not watching and praying, we too are a contributor to this: vexing our own spirit in the process. This can cause grief to see for those who are walking in the spirit. Shall it hinder us from doing God’s work? Shall it rob us of our peace? Shall it fester and birth murmuring, bitterness, or hatred?

          • Matthew 24:12 KJV - "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

          God has given the peace, comfort, and strength that we need; being resources that are always available and the only one who keeps us from utilizing them is ourselves.

          • Matthew 11:28-29 KJV - "28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
          • John 14:27 KJV - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
          • John 16:33 KJV - "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
          • 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV - "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
          • 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 KJV - "5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."
          • Ephesians 3:16 KJV - "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;"
          • Colossians 1:11 KJV - "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
          • 2 Thessalonians 1:7 KJV - "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,"
          • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV - "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."

          Being a solution to unrest

          Sin and carnality result in unrest for the doer and the observer. The solution is for God’s people to be the light and spiritually restore.

          • Ephesians 5:8 KJV - "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:"
          • Matthew 5:14 KJV - "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
          • 1 Thessalonians 5:5 KJV - "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."
          • Ephesians 5:13 KJV - "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."
          • Ephesians 5:11 KJV - "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
          • Galatians 6:1 KJV - "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

          When someone is born of the spirit, they are a baby spirit. Someone can stay a baby spirit their whole fleshly life and operate, “in “believer” mode.” The statement, “And truth be told, there's not much holy about it either”, appears to be a teaching opportunity. We can learn from Jesus interactions with the disciples: who continued to doubt (Matthew 14:31), who were of the wrong spirit (Luke 9:55), who were filled with pride (Matthew 20:21), who lusted and coveted (Matthew 26:9), etc.  

          Taking Physical Rest

          Going from ministry to ministry and service to service and “The only rest is a nap between services” is something that not everyone can physically handle. Even if it were once handled, the ability to handle a full day of ministering to the Lord can be too much for the aging flesh. God even set out an age limit for service in the tabernacle:

          • Numbers 8:24-26 KJV - "24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: 25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: 26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge."

          It is important to discern social projections. It is also important to understand one’s own limitations and developing limitations. It is good for the service of God to continue for those who have the physical energy to put out. How devastating would it be if services were limited to the ability of the weakest vessel? It would also be “madness” for those who have physical disabilities, ailments, or who are neurodivergent, to try to keep up as well. While some people within churches may push the belief that not being an active participant when the doors are open means you are not walking right with the Lord, it is false tradition of men. What God sees and cares about is whether or not a person is making excuses or taking pleasure in a valid excuse to not serve. Anyone who physically needs to rest should do so. Notice how Jesus called the disciples to rest in the midst of ministry; that is as people were still coming and going:

          • Mark 6:30-32 KJV - "30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."

          Taking Spiritual Rest

          There are times when a person’s spirit gets weary, whether by trying to serve God in the flesh, or by trying times, persecution, lack of clarity or prayer, etc. It is important to not push oneself to serve with a “mask” when spiritual rejuvenation is needed. It is “that good part” to stop serving and sit at the feet of Jesus.

          • Luke 10:38-42 KJV - "38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

          It is ok to withhold the ministry of loving servitude from one’s spouse for a time, to separate oneself unto the Lord in prayer and fasting.

          • 1 Corinthians 7:4-6 KJV - "4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."

          Sometimes a spiritual retreat is needed even when it is not scheduled into the church’s calendar. It would even be wise to do so in lieu of the common vacation.

          Rest in the Power of God: God who answers prayers

          All of God’s followers will have burdens at times, as it is a part of life and the spiritual growing process. (Elijah in 1 Kings 19:4-18). God is still the God of miracles and will perform the seemingly impossible if we only ask. How eager, zealous, earnest, and humble are we enough in our requests? Are we asking? Are we calling upon him with all our might? Are we asking in absolute unwavering faith? Are we determined to see God answer and are we expecting it? Who in scripture can we learn from? Here are a few:

          • 2 Kings 2:14 KJV - "14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over."
          • Esther 4:16 KJV - "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
          • Ezra 8:23 KJV - "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."
          • Nehemiah 1:1-11 KJV - "1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, 5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: 6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. 8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. 10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer."
          • Nehemiah 2:18, 20 KJV - "18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. ... 20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem."
          • Acts 16:23-26 KJV - "23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."

          Who does rest come from? Where are we seeking our rest? What did Daniel do in a society full of paganism? What did Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah do when all those around them bowed to a statue? How did they stand in a state of peace and rest? Watch, fast, pray without ceasing, walk in the spirit, put on the whole armor of God, look to the power of the almighty, trust in the Lord...

          • 1 Peter 1:13 KJV - "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

           

          "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

          Numbers 6:24-26 KJV

          • T

            Hi Kelly,

            Thank you once again for taking the time to reply to my comments. Your response makes me wonder if I did a good job of conveying my thoughts in my previous post. When you said, "your words tell me that you are carrying a few burdens and that you are in need of rest" as well as your missive on being carnally minded, it made me think that perhaps I had failed. That's not to say that your comments were a waste of time. Far from it! I found the last part particularly interesting and more food for thought.

            Please let me take another stab at what I was trying to say... it is the church that burdens me, not my work. In my experience with many denominations, little seems different about the way the church works and the way that our culture works. Sure, you occasionally hear a little about Christ in churches today, but not very often and usually in a context that looks so much like other human institutions. This is why I have pretty much given up on the institutional church. There is little that is distinct about it, and while it claims to have Christ as its Head, it certainly doesn't behave that way. :-(

            A few months ago our @Librarian posted the following video on the reign (kingdom) of God - https://housechurch.org/view-discussion/church-is-essential-but-not-the-essence. I encourage everyone who hasn't watched it to do so. I think that it accurately describes the state of the institutional churches today. I find it sad and extremely distressing that the vast majority of churches will so readily find reasons to NOT worship with other Christians that we disagree with. We place our human traditions and institutions ahead of the Gospel, relying instead on cultural conventions to make us feel good and validate our sinful ways. My prayer is that God brings us to obedience, both in our personal relations with each other and as the church body as a whole.

          • The Almighty always seeks our best interest. To bless us - not to burden us. Praise his name. Thus the Sabbath was made for us - not us for it. It was intended not just to be a blessing but a delight.

            God knew our lives would enhanced if we had more rhythm and structure. There are two elements here: Rest and work. "You shall labor 6 days".

            This is a wonderful essay, Kelly. Thank you for sharing.

            May I inquire of you: How do you regard Christians who continue to celebrate the old testament feast days?

            I will start a new thread on this matter. Please find it on the home page.

            • Thank you for your graciousness. Of a truth, the Almighty always seeks our best interest and is worthy to be exalted and praised with every breath he gives us to breathe. As the Lord gives the time, I would be honored to respond to your request.

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