“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God…” (Exodus 20:8-10)
God blessed the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). He was joyful on that day as His creation was completed. When God gave the Law to Israel, he established this special day. After working for six days, the people could rest. Later, the Christian church celebrated the resurrection of Jesus on Sunday and began to celebrate that day as a day of rest. The people of God congregate to worship Him. During the service the Bible is read, and songs of praise are sung. The Gospel is preached, prayers are raised, and offerings are given. This is one way the church practices life with God.
Therefore, we don’t work on that day unless our work is essential, or it is an act of mercy. In this we follow the Israelites, who kept the Sabbath. On Sunday we have the privilege of focusing our attention on the Lord. That day of rest is beneficial to us, and it is God’s Day, instituted by Him as a reminder of Creation.
By keeping the Sabbath, Israel honoured its Creator and distinguished itself from the peoples who worshipped the gods they had created. We too are called to meet with fellow believers on the Lord’s Day, to honour our Creator. In so doing there is rich reward.