articlesforchristians

The word Sabbath comes from Hebrew. So, what does Sabbath mean? Could the meaning of the word give us any clues as to how we should respond.

• In Hebrew:
  • H7676: Sabbat from H7673; specifically, the Sabbath intermission
  • H7673: to repose, in desist from exertion
• In Greek:
  • G4521: Sabbaton of Hebrew origin (H7676) Sabbath or day of weekly repose from secular avocations

So, what does all of this mean? It means that time should be set aside to stop and just spend some time with Jesus.

Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

God rested as an example for us. God also gave creation as a reason to keep sabbath.

Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Even today we need to have set time to stop and remember the work of God in our lives. We need to remember the work that Jesus did on the cross. Jesus calls all to come to him for rest. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Many years ago there was a song that talked about spending time with God. It is called Take time to be Holy by Author: William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882). I have put it below for you to read/ sing.

1 Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2 Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3 Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

4 Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

This is a fitting song when thinking about the sabbath. We should take time every day to spend with God. We should also set aside a day just for God. We need to remember to Take Time to Be Holy.

The Seven Appointed Times of God