What does it mean to “Keep the Sabbath holy”?

Good morning!

I have some thoughts on my mind that I’d like to share. These come from the new ‘Inscribe the Word’ plan that I’ve been following this month.

The theme is Sabbath Rest. It’s only the 6th, and I’m already so challenged.

What does it really mean to keep the Sabbath Day holy? Why do we do it? Is it important?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Here are the verses I’ve written out that have gotten my mind rolling:

Genesis 2:1-3

Exodus 16:29-30

Exodus 31:12-17

Exodus 33:12-15

and…if you want more verses to look up, here’s the plan for the whole month

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy is one of the Ten Commandments, but I’ve been thinking…how many of us Christians really do this?

What did Jesus have to say about the Sabbath? Did He deem it important to keep? What do His actions tell us?

Obviously, after Jesus’ resurrection, the church began keeping the first day of the week as a day of rest, as opposed to the seventh day.

Is it important which day we keep?

What does it really mean to rest?

I recognize that we are not living under the OT law, BUT…God told the Israelites this: You shall keep the sabbath because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. (Exodus 31:14) Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. (Exodus 31:15b) (bold italics added by me for emphasis)

God does not change. If this was an offense worthy of death, how should we view it?

I’ll be back to share more, later…just wanted to put this here while I’m thinking of it. Hopefully I’ll hear from some of you, and then I’ll add some other thoughts I’ve had…