The Sabbath Day is Still Saturday

J. Vernon McGee told of a man who came to him and said, “I’ll give you $100 if you will show me where the Sabbath day has been changed.” McGee answered, “I don’t think it has been changed. Saturday, the seventh day is still Saturday, and it is still the Sab … More

Sabbath

God told Jeremiah to stand at the gate of the people (v. 19). Which gate this was is unknown, though it is identified as the gate through which the kings go in and out. The spot was selected because of the large number of people who passed by. Possibly this was the Eastern Gate that led from the temple mount to the Kidron Valley. Whatever the gate’s location, Jeremiah did not stay there. He was to take his message to all the other gates so that the whole city would hear it.

His message to those who passed through these gates was to keep the Sabbath Day holy (vv. 20-24). This was in contrast with their forefathers who disobeyed what they were to honor; the day God had set aside by not doing any work on it. Faithfulness to the Law would bring blessing (vv. 25-27). If the people obeyed God’s commandments, Jerusalem would be inhabited forever. People would flock to the city from all over. These people would bring their offerings and sacrifices to the temple. However, if they would not obey God’s injunction on the Sabbath He would kindle a fire of judgment that would consume her fortresses and leave her defenseless (Jer. 49:27).

A mechanical obedience to the Sabbath law wasn’t what God wanted, but obedience that came from their hearts because they loved the Lord.  God had reasons for instituting the Sabbath. Once again there is a promise that blessing will follow obedience, but judgment will follow disobedience.

Application

Nine of the ten commandments are repeated in the New Testament epistles for believers to obey, but the Sabbath Law isn’t among them. I am free to honor special days as I feel convicted by the Lord (Col. 2:16-17). However (Heb. 10:25) says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together."

Jeremiah 17:19-27 (English Standard Version)


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