Text: Exodus 31:13-18
Again, we read a passage about work and the Sabbath. The Sabbath was not a small issue, as we see from the penalty for dishonoring the Sabbath (v.14).
It is a strict requirement because Israel was an image of the eternal Kingdom of God, where perfect righteousness reigns. The Sabbath is a sign because it points to something. It points to the relationship between God and Israel. Nonobservance ignores God’s gracious deliverance from Egypt, His continuous grace to them, His Tabernacle service of forgiveness through substitution, etc.
Working on the Sabbath is as if God’s grace was never given to them.
Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability, for the glory of God. But on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, cease from your daily routine and begin your week by worshipping your Saviour, acknowledging who God is, His saving grace in Christ, and His continuous daily grace to you in all things. You will surely recognize that without the Saviour you are unable to excel in what you do. Praise Him for
His pardoning grace, and pray for His grace to strengthen you in obedience.
Resting from your labors on the Sabbath day is to do your work as worship.
Meditate on verses 13-17. How are you going to apply them to yourself?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, forgive me for the many times I have taken Your Day, Sunday, for granted. Help me to continuously observe the Sundays. Amen.