THE SABBATH IS GOD’S GIFT TO US, AN OFFER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR LIFE. THEREFORE, GOD DOES NOT ONLY TELL US TO OBSERVE THE SABBATH DAY, BUT GIVES US INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO DO IT SO THAT THE DAY MAY BECOME A REAL BLESSING FOR US.
THE SABBATH AS A BENEFACTOR
Mark 2:27 In his love God instituted the Sabbath to benefit humankind.
Is. 58:13, 14 The Sabbath allows us to take delight in the Lord.
1 Cor. 13:1-3 We do not just keep the Sabbath because it is the day God wants us to observe, but because we love him.
TIPS FOR A HAPPY SABBATH
1. Beginning and End
The Sabbath lasts from sundown to sundown (Gen. 1:5; Lev. 23:32; Luke 4:31, 40).
2. Biblical Advice
Preparation
Ex. 16:22-24 For the Sabbath to become an anti-stress day and a good experience it must be prepared for in advance (Luke 23:54).
Rest
Ex. 20:8-11 Humans and animals should enjoy rest on the Sabbath. Fellow humans do not need to work for us. Children and youth can participate in the joy and rest, as well as reflection on God by not attending school or college.
Ex. 34:21 Even when pressed by deadlines we may still enjoy the divinely given rest.
Activities
Matt. 12:9-12 Jesus set an example of Sabbath keeping by looking out for the needs of fellow human beings and doing good. We too can serve God and do missionary work on Sabbath (Acts 17:2, 3).
Heb. 10:24, 25 We are called to attend the worship service to encounter our Lord.
Mark 1:29 Hospitality is important, allowing for fellowship with humans and with
Luke 14:1 God.
Matt. 12:1 Oftentimes in nature we feel closer to God. Jesus spent some time on Sabbath in nature.
Is. 58:13, 14 We turn away from selfishness and secular activities and do things that are pleasing to God. That includes avoiding things that rob the Sabbath of its distinctness and its blessing such as watching non-Christian programming, reading the newspaper, attending non-Christian meetings, undertaking long journeys (Matt. 24:20), buying and selling (Neh. 13:15-22), etc.
AN IDEAL SABBATH
1. Anticipation
During the week our thoughts are directed toward the Sabbath. Preparation and planning for it begins on Sunday.
2. The Day of Preparation
On Friday the cleaning of the house, preparation of food, and other preparations for the festive day are finished.
3. Beginning of the Sabbath
Fellowship with the family or believers is important. We may create a Sabbath atmosphere by having special yet simple meals, flowers, candles, good music, etc. We try to be creative. Without rushing, we welcome the Sabbath on time with singing and a devotional, prayer, as well as making sure we take time for our children (telling a story, asking them questions and answering theirs, perhaps playing a Bible game). We may go to bed a little early so as to be fresh for the next morning.
4. Sabbath Morning
We try to create a loving and prayerful atmosphere, get dressed for church, have a good breakfast, and attend church. In church we take part in the worship service, show reverence, are friendly to others and show a readiness to fellowship with them. After finding a place in the sanctuary, a silent prayer can help us focus on worshiping God.
5. Following the Worship Service
We may participate in a fellowship meal, enjoy others’ hospitality or invite people to our home. A good meal on a neatly set table can be wonderful.
6. Sabbath Afternoon
A walk in nature, reading good books and studying Scripture, listening to music or making our own, witnessing, visiting other people, reading stories to and playing Bible games with children, having uplifting conversations are all good Sabbath afternoon activities.
7. Ending the Sabbath
Attending vespers or having sundown worship in one’s home, thanking the Lord for the Sabbath, and looking forward to God’s guidance in the new week is meaningful.
CONCLUSION
This description of an ideal Sabbath should not be interpreted as so many rules but rather as suggestions that may help us in creating a wonderful Sabbath experience. By mentally preparing for the Sabbath early in the week and, when Sabbath arrives, setting aside some activities and doing others, the day becomes special—the best day of the week. Let us remember: The Sabbath is a day of worship, a festive day, and a day of service—a foretaste of heaven and the new earth where we will have an even closer fellowship with God from one Sabbath to another. Let us thank the Lord for this extraordinary gift and do what is pleasing to him. It is also what is most beneficial for us!
Ekkehardt Mueller is associate director for the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference. This article has been reprinted, by permission, from Reflections, the BRI Newsletter, edited by Clinton Wahlen.
