One day, out of the blue, the question hit me: "Should a Christian observe the Sabbath?" I realize this might be a settled matter for many, but for me, it has resurfaced.
Now that it has captured my attention, I feel compelled to address it for the benefit of my family and loved ones.
The term "Sabbath" first appears in Genesis 2:2:
"By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work."
The original Hebrew verb for 'and he rested' is 'Va-Yishbot' {וישבות}, derived from the Hebrew root 'SH-V-T' {ש-ב-ת}, which is also the root of the word Shabbat {שבת}.
This verse creates the notion that God is weary. Why, then, does God need to rest? Let's delve into the meaning behind this.
In contemporary perspectives, the act of "creation" is often seen as the epitome of power, and Genesis 1 is commonly labeled as a creation story. While this holds true to some degree, the author's underlying purpose differs. In Ancient Eastern cultures, the figure who transforms "chaos" into "order" is portrayed as the most potent.
The Genesis author subtly hints at this right at the outset:
"And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep."
The lack of any form, coupled with darkness and void, signifies chaos. For an ancient reader, these images would have triggered connections, priming their mind for imminent action by the One who would bring order to them.
To broaden our perspective, let's examine some contemporaneous cultures. "Enuma Elish", an ancient Mesopotamian creation epic, recounts Marduk's triumph over the elder goddess Tiamat, ushering in order from chaos and ascending as the lord of the gods of Heaven and Earth. This resonates with the theme of order prevailing over chaos in Genesis.
Similarly, the Egyptian god Atum shapes the world out of chaos, symbolized by primeval waters.
This collective evidence leads to the inference that Genesis 1, transcends a mere creation account; it is about imposing order upon chaos.
A great king is also recognized as one who establishes order. When a king assimilates an external territory into his kingdom, he essentially eradicates chaos (represented by barbarians) and establishes the right structure and order (civilized).
The crux of the matter is that, in Genesis' inaugural chapter, the author conveys to readers that Yahweh is the Chief. He does it by showing that Yahweh is the One who brings order to the entire universe. Like a king, He confronts chaos with His words and emerges victorious.
The term "He rested" signifies His triumph. He has orchestrated order and is now assuming His throne. He is the provider, and now His subjects (Adam or mankind) will commence from this state of rest (order), ushering further prosperity and peace into His creation.
The idea of rest presented in Genesis differs from the rest ordained by Moses for the Israelites, known as Shabbath. Unlike the Israelites, who are not initiating a throne, this commandment serves as a reminder of God's providence—the One who imposes order on chaos. It's a day for reflecting on the transient nature of our struggles, remembering how God brought them from slavery and will ultimately grant them eternal rest.
Now, delving into this context, let's explore the fundamental query: Should a Christian adhere to Shabbat observance? The response hinges on whether the laws bestowed by Moses upon the Israelites hold relevance in our contemporary era.
A beacon of insight comes from Paul, who, in his ministry, drew upon a Mosaic law for guidance:
"In the Law of Moses, it is written: 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.' Is this directive solely about oxen, or does it extend to us? Undoubtedly, it is intended for us, as written, for those who plow and thresh should anticipate a share in the harvest." (1 Corinthians 9:9-10)
In this context, Paul, as a steward of God's word, contends that those sowing spiritual seeds in the congregation have a rightful claim to material blessings. Citing Deuteronomy 25:4, he anchors his argument in scriptural authority, reasoning that just as God allows an ox to eat while treading, ministers of His word should partake in similar blessings.
What insights can we glean from this example? Although the law was specifically given to Israel, it carries an underlying purpose. While the literal application may not extend to us, the essence or the spirit of the law undeniably holds relevance for all.
Applying this to our current discourse, the authentic purpose of Shabbat is to find repose in God's providence. It's a day for reflection, meditation, and anticipation that God will bring order to the disorder of our sins, mirroring His act of bringing order from chaos in the creation narrative. For those of the Jewish faith, Shabbat is a time to recall how God liberated them from slavery in Egypt—a testament to His transformative power from chaos to order. It serves as a day to acknowledge God's constant presence and affirm our understanding that He holds sovereign control.
How should a Christian celebrate the Sabbath?
To address this inquiry, what better guide than examining the actions of Jesus? Numerous occasions reveal Jesus performing healing miracles on the Sabbath (examples include Mark 3:1-6, and Luke 13:10-17), tending to the needs of the hungry (Matthew 12:1-8), and imparting wisdom within the synagogues.
Jesus proclaimed, "The kingdom of God is here and now." He was bringing God's rest (providence) to people, bringing joy and peace ( order ) into the tumultuous realms of misery and suffering.
As we ponder the essence of the Sabbath in our lives, let's not confine its celebration to a mere day of the week. Every moment is an opportunity to embrace God's providence and, like our Lord Jesus, become agents of joy and peace in a world often mired in chaos. The true celebration of the Sabbath lies not in mere observance but in our daily actions—feeding the hungry, healing the broken, and bringing light to the darkest corners. In this continuous Sabbath, we embody the timeless victory of order over chaos, echoing the Creator's triumph in the very fabric of our existence. So, as we traverse the tapestry of our days, let each step resonate with the eternal Sabbath, a melody of divine rest, and a harmonious rhythm of bringing God's beautiful order into our chaotic world.
How might one find a more meaningful way to observe the Sabbath?
