Why We Keep the Sabbath

There are numerous people scattered around the world who do not know the blessing in observing the Sabbath of Yahweh (the LORD). Without second thought many work seven days a week to acquire wealth, double-time, and over-time not realizing the damage that they are doing to their bodies. More importantly, they are not able to receive the blessing that awaits those that enter into the Sabbath. From the foundation of the world, Yahweh (the LORD), the Creator of the universe had mankind in mind, thus the reason the Sabbath was created and instituted as the day of rest. Let's explore a couple of questions together!

Where does the Sabbath come from?

According to the Bible, in Genesis 1, (the LORD) Yahweh, created the Light and Darkness, divided the waters, formed the Earth, plants, the Sun, the Moon with stars, fish, birds, land animals, and finally, us. He did these great things in 6 days. Wow! But it is what He did on the 7th day that answers this question: (the LORD) Yahweh ceased His labors and Rested from all of His work.

What Makes the Sabbath Day so special?

In Genesis 2:1-3, Yahweh does something different on the Seventh day that He didn't do on the others. He sanctified and blessed Sabbath Day. Check out these definitions!

Sanctify: set apart as or declare holy; consecrate.

Blessed: to be held in reverence.

The Sabbath is the only day, that the (LORD) Yahweh sets apart and declares holy. It is the only day that (LORD) Yahweh made to be held in reverence, which means, honor or respect felt or shown. The Sabbath is the day that should be respected by those who observe it.

The first time we see the Sabbath mentioned as a command for men to do is in Exodus 20:8-11. Mankind is told to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. Just as Yahweh worked for 6 days and rested on the Seventh Day, He also commands man to do the exact same thing.

Who was the Sabbath created for? Is it just for those who are Jews?

These are awesome questions! Many believe that the Sabbath is just for Jews, but (Jesus Christ) Yahshuah Hamasciach tells us who it is for. In Mark 2:27, Jesus says, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." The Son of God says that the Sabbath is not just for Jews, but for mankind to observe.

As a parallel check out Isaiah 56: 1-7. Yahweh( The LORD) describes that anyone can keep the Sabbath and receive it's blessing. The LORD says that anyone who keeps the Sabbath from doing the wrong thing on it will be blessed and they will be held in great honor as sons and daughters. Yahweh says that his temple will be a house of prayer for all nations. God says that no one who chooses to keep the Sabbath should exclude themselves from being HIs people. So, be encouraged, you too, can remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.

Why should I keep the Sabbath?

The Sabbath is a sign - Ezekiel 20:20 - Yahweh says that mankind should keep His Sabbaths holy because they are a sign between mankind and Him. He then lets man know it is how we will know that He is our God.

Colossian 2:16;17 says that the Sabbath is a shadow of things to come and no one should be excluded from doing the command of Yahweh as a believer. Yahshuah (Jesus) says in Mark 2:28 that He is the lord of the Sabbath. Therefore, we as believers should keep the Sabbath knowing that Jesus is the master of what Yahweh has said all men are supposed to do on the 7th day.

We understand that everyone has not yet been made aware of the blessing of the Sabbath. Our pastor, Jonathan Greer, can relate to many of you who may be reading this article- he did not always know about the Sabbath either. When the understanding of the Sabbath was revealed to him, he embraced it and now admonishes others to take advantage of it as well.

If you are need of additional information regarding how to observe the Sabbath or wanting to fellowship with us on the Sabbath, please do not hesitate to contact our pastor using the following email address: bishopjegreer@gmail.com .