Topic: Keep It Holy — Friday November 24, 2017.
Text: Leviticus 23:1-8
Key Verse: “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” (Leviticus 23:3).
The subject of Mosaic and Christian Sabbath has been contentious over the years especially among the Jews, some Christian sects and Bible-based believers. The divide appears to widen as we approach the close of this age. As obedient children of God, our position is to search out the whole truth about this divine injunction and faithfully observe and uphold the truth.
The subject of our consideration today is the third commandment: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). This ordinance was observed by Israel until Christ the true Light and the perfect image of God arrived the scene of humanity to fulfill all the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Christ did not negate the Mosaic Sabbath but put the best meaning and significance to this ordinance by emphasizing also the social and moral components of it.
Today, believers should follow Christ’s example of observance of the Sabbath. He fed the hungry, healed the sick and protected the rights of weak and ignorant folks that were being violated by Jewish religious leaders on the Sabbath day. Christ’s miraculous bodily resurrection after crucifixion on the first day of the week (Sunday), not Saturday, attest to the fact of Christian Sabbath or the Lord’s day.
Apostles of Christ recognized this day and as such, organized Christian gatherings on Sundays thereafter. If we believe in Christ, we should obey His Word and follow His example by keeping that day holy (free from servile work). Even so, the observance of the Lord’s day must be matched by the right attitude and disposition that would attract divine intervention in all affairs of life. The Lord’s day is as sacred as the comportment with which we observe it.
Thought for the day: Solemn worship from holy hearts befits the Lord’s day.
Bible Reading in one Year: Ezekiel 29-31
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.