The Command that's Good for You

The Commandment to Keep the Sabbath is one of the few commandments on which Jesus specifically comments. During one of his debates with the Pharisees he says, “The Sabbath was made for Man, and not man for the Sabbath.” [Mark 2:27 NKJV] One point we can draw from this comment is that there is a beneficial aspect in keeping the Sabbath.
St. Paul reminds us that the Commandment to “Honor our Father and Mother” is the only commandment with a promise attached. However, in one of his many debates with the Pharisees, Jesus points out that the 4th commandment: “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy” was “made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” [Mark 2:2 NKJV]
One thought we can draw from Jesus’ comment is that “Keeping the Sabbath” is beneficial. Usually we consider commandments or rules as restricting our freedom or causing us difficulty in living. Of course, we all realize there is freedom, joy and peace in keeping certain rules or commandments, but in practice we usually don’t live that way. I believe that Jesus’ comment goes deeper than saying that the 4th commandment is good for us. There is a benefit that accrues to us (women and men of faith) when we are faithful in keeping this commandment. In fact it is intended for our physical and spiritual health.
We read so much today about the stress in the pastoral ministry and the effect that it has on our lives, our marriages and our ministries. Part of that stress is in the constant demands that the calling of being a Pastor places on us: preparing worship services, sermons, counseling, administrating, planning, visioning, etc. Most of the statistics indicate that pastors work way too many hours with little or no days off.
This is the reality of modern service to the church and world. However, there is good news! This is not what God intended when he rested on the Seventh day after Six long days of creation. As both Watchman Nee and Eugene Peterson have pointed out “man’s work only begins after God has been at work,” and thus our work and indeed week should begin with Rest, a Sabbath for us to be in harmony with God’s will.
Thus, instead of being a ‘burden’ to keep, the Sabbath becomes a benefit to be enjoyed in our life, families, and ministry. Take time this week to pause, step aside, and rest. Take a Sabbath time to pray, reflect and renew your self. Understand that the Sabbath is the beginning of your week not the end and that when you go to work you are simply joining God in the work he has already been doing.
For pastoral couples this time may not be the traditional Saturday or Sunday but may well be another day in the week. For those not involved in full time ministry your Sabbath should be on Sunday, as you gather to worship with God’s people. The day is not as important as the taking of a Sabbath, a break, a ceasing. The idea is to get in tune with God’s holy rhythm. To use the words of that grand hymn, “Take Time to be Holy, speak oft with the Lord.”