“The seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God” (Exodus 20:10).

On the Sabbath, we say YES to Jesus and NO to consumerism, capitalism, competition, and secular entertainment. We are told not to buy, sell, work, or pursue our own pleasure (Exodus 20:10; Nehemiah 13:15–22; Isaiah 58:13). This frees us from the secular activities that take up so much of our time during the week. It is a day to remember that Jesus is all we need.

“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

Here are some ideas for getting the most out of this blessed day:

• Worship with a community of faith on the Sabbath. This is encouraging and uplifting, for it is a “holy convocation” in which God has promised to join us (Leviticus 23:3; Matthew 18:20).

• Take advantage of the sacred hours to spend extra time in prayer and study. God has set aside this time so that we can get to know him better.

• Sabbath gives us more time to spend with friends and family. Exploring God’s creative works with others in nature is particularly appropriate.

• Jesus often taught in the synagogue and healed on the Sabbath. Ministering to the needs of others on the Sabbath is an excellent way to share God’s love with others. 

Above all, the Sabbath is about developing loving relationships with God and our fellow humans. We are invited to enter this holy space and experience heightened fellowship with our Maker every week. It existed before sin and continues to be a sanctuary for God’s people. The Sabbath gives us a taste of the world to come when “from new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath” (Isaiah 66:23 ESV) all God’s children will worship Him in unity and celebrate His goodness throughout eternal ages.