Growing up, I truly believed that the Sabbath was about rules, but over the years I have learned that not only is it about love for God, but also for each other. Therefore, another Sabbath practice to develop is that of embracing people. Sabbath invites us to value the relationships that God has placed in our lives.
The Pharisees were deeply disturbed by the Sabbath habits of Jesus and his disciples. As far as they were concerned, thirteen men walking through a field picking heads of grain were harvesting and rubbing those grains together and blowing off the chaff to eat the grain was threshing. The Pharisees, in an attempt to safeguard the Sabbath from work, had strictly forbidden both activities.
Jesus reminded them, however, that even their greatest earthly King, David, had once eaten consecrated bread in a time of need. Jesus was referring to a time when David was running for his life from King Saul and in desperation, had gone to the high priest to get food for his men (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The only food available was the consecrated bread that only the priests were allowed to eat. Although he no doubt struggled with the decision, the priest rightly decided to offer David the bread.
Today, there is a need for people to do away with man-made rules and regulations that only promote self and devalues others. The Sabbath is about fellowship and relationships not promoting bondage and fear. People are vitally important to God, embracing others and building relationships is a vital Sabbath practice for us.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to [Jesus], “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:2
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for the many people you’ve placed in my life. Father, help me to be mindful of them throughout life but especially on the Sabbath. God, help me to build new relationships as I embrace your holy day and to reach out to them with your compassion, love, and care. In Jesus name, Amen.
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