Compromise and Sabbath rest
Last night was our last meeting for the Vincent homegroup for the year. For a while we have been studying the book of Nehemiah. We looked at chapter 9 and 10 yesterday.
One of the points of discussion centered around how Israel had compromised and sinned by ignoring the law and allowing the practices of the surrounding nations to become the norm. One of the interesting things for me was that Israel had slipped up in keeping the Sabbath. How should we respond today? I personally believe in having a Sabbath, but how practically should this work in our lives?
We further promise that if the people of the land should bring any merchandise or grain to be sold on the Sabbath or on any other holy day, we will refuse to buy it... Nehemiah 10v31 NLT
One example of how churches are contextualising this is Highway Community Church in East London who are probably going to be moving their Sunday Service to a Saturday night. This is so that they can a full day of rest on a Sunday. This is not a legalistic move, rather it is a practical one, so that their members can have a full days rest.
Another example comes from Glenda, who used to work with a lady who was a Seventh Day Adventist. They are very strict on their Sabbath observances and keep the Sabbath from sunset on a Friday through Saturday, as the Jews do. On Monday mornings her friend would always be full of energy and joy, while everyone else seemed to be sluggishly dragging themselves into work (I can relate to this). When asked why she was so "chirpy" she responded, "I actually rest over the weekend."
I know there are a lot of issues involved, but how, practically, should a Sabbath that is pleasing to God, look in our day and age?
