Daily Devotions
Exodus
"For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth." Psalm 33:4
Text: Exodus 20 : 11
OBEYING THE COMMANDMENTS OF A SOVEREIGN GOD
Many struggle with obeying the Lord’s commandments! Some struggle because they rebel against the idea of having to obey the Lord. Others are upset because they feel that God’s laws seem too high and lofty, and thus are impossible to keep! Whatever reasons people may nurse in their hearts, they still have to grapple with this fact – God in His sovereign right may impose any number of laws on mankind! The truth of the matter is that God has not given unreasonable laws for man to consider and keep! Every word from God is good and righteous!
UNDERSTANDING WHY THE SABBATH IS CONSIDERED “HOLY”
The Lord even bothered to explain the rationale behind some of His laws! The Sabbath law had this reason attached to it.
“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,
the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.
Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”
EXODUS 20:11
1. Integrally related
The Sabbath day must not be separated from the rest of the week! They are integrally related! To remember the Sabbath day as a day of rest, must cause the believer to appreciate afresh all that God did when He created the heavens and the earth!
2. “Rested the seventh day”
Did God really need to rest? Was He tired after creating the heavens and the earth? Of course not! The following thoughts may be associated with the word “rest”. Three may be suggested!
a) God took time to reflect over what He had created!
b) God took time to enjoy what He had created.
c) God took time to relate to His creatures by blessing them.
3. “Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it”
Would the fact that God blessed the Sabbath and hallowed it, not be good enough reason for us to keep it? Would His example of “taking rest” on the Sabbath day, not be the most excellent example of how to keep the Sabbath?
God’s blessings are on the other days of the week! In His own counsel, He determined that man should use six days of the week for his work. He may work very hard and through diligence and perseverance succeeds in life! However, in His divine counsel, He has also set aside a day when man is to take time from his busy weekly schedule for the purpose of resting in Him! The creature must set aside time to worship with his Creator in worship and fellowship!