The Sabbath is for Merciful Acts

God is Just and Merciful

Justice and Sabbath Laws

Luke 14:1-6 The Message

14 1-3 One time when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move. Right before him there was a man hugely swollen in his joints. So Jesus asked the religion scholars and Pharisees present, “Is it permitted to heal on the Sabbath? Yes or no?”
4-6 They were silent. So he took the man, healed him, and sent him on his way. Then he said, “Is there anyone here who, if a child or animal fell down a well, wouldn’t rush to pull him out immediately, not asking whether or not it was the Sabbath?” They were stumped. There was nothing they could say to that.

For Reflection

God created the Sabbath so that the people of God would rest from their physical labors and become refreshed.  It was a time for reflecting on the gifts of God, worship, and contemplation.  It was the one time in a busy schedule where believers could study, discuss, and listen for the Word.
Institutionalizing the practice brought various rules on how Sabbath activity was to be conducted.  These rules refocused the believers on the ritual of the Sabbath and bled attention from the intent of Sabbath.  One can follow the rules without thought and think that their righteous behavior guaranteed entry into God's Kingdom. This outcome is another example of how rules create an empty relationship with God, doing all the right stuff for the wrong reason.

Pray

Pray not out of fear but out of love.  Pray with your action. As you give to others, your also give to God.

Forward to a friend