I often remember (meaning that I bring back to my memory) important things I’ve learned from a pastor, teacher, author, or my own study. That doesn’t mean that I always take action on it, though:
- I remember that I should eat better, but I still had three (or maybe four?) brownies for dinner the other night.
- I remember that I should love my neighbor, but some people just frustrate me.
- I remember that I should “pray without ceasing”, but sometimes I like to sleep, instead.
In Exodus 20:8, God commanded His people to remember the Sabbath.
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Exodus 20:8 NLT
(See Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:15 for some more context.)
For us, today, remembering the Sabbath might just mean that we remember God’s plan for us, or that we remember what we read (or heard a pastor say) recently. Or, better yet, it might mean that we change our activities and priorities to do something about it.
Even if Saturday isn’t your Sabbath, consider what “remembering” the Sabbath might mean to you, today. A kids’ devotional (one that we read to our children after dinner some nights) reminded me that sometimes preparing our minds for church is what makes a difference in what we get out of it (and put into it). It’s not whether we pick out the right clothes to wear, or put a certain amount into the offering plate. It’s choosing to remember why we go to church in the first place – whether to worship God, to obey His commands, to show love to others, or all of these reasons.
See if you can find some time today, before Sunday morning (or other) worship services, and rest your mind and heart, to get both of them ready for what God has to pour into them. Remember.
To get you started, see what Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
And, if you decide to take a little more “Sabbath” time today (whatever day of the week you are reading this), keep read all of Matthew 12:1-8. Then, do something about it. I trust that God will bless your actions when you’re following His plan.
For more reading, see also:
- A version of this devotion originally appeared at fcccanton.com , as a Study Guide for the September 15, 2013 message, “Getting Control of Your Schedule”. Re-used by permission.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Those Who Sin Differently 
2 thoughts on “Remember the Sabbath”