Sabbath Celebration Part 2
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #4:Yahweh's people must assemble on the Sabbath day for holy purposes.
Just as our Spirit led Master Yahshua was, so His disciples who were likewise led wrote about Yahshua (Yahweh Elohim in the flesh) our example in LK 4:16...
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read." (see LK 13:10;Mark 1:21) The synagogue is a Jewish name for a church building in which Yahweh's people would assemble together on the Sabbath day for holy worship. On the Sabbath it was the Master Yahshua's custom to go to church and read scripture. Led by the Spirit the apostle John wrote in 1 JN 2: 5-6.... "But whoso keepeth his word, in verily is the love of Elohim perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked"
Led of the Spirit, the apostle Paul like Yahshua also customarily went to church on the Sabbath ( Acts 17: 2).
Since time is short, Yahweh gives an urgency for His people to spend as much time together as possible in corporate Elohim only focused activity. This is why concerning Yahweh's appointed times such as the weekly Sabbath day, or annual feast; and even at other times, Paul wrote....
Heb. 10:24"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Why did the Holy Spirit lead both Yahshua and his followers to go to church on the Sabbath day with other believers? Because Yahshua who was the WORD/LOGOS made flesh, was the embodiment of Elohim the Father's righteous Law character. True to his Holy Spirit led nature, He wasn't just doing a hobby, He was following a righteous command that He Himself lovingly inspired in Lev. 23:1-3.
Read Lev 23:3 (KJV) and say the word that follows where this sentence leaves off, ” but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy_________”
Use a Bible concordance or Dictionary to read the definition of the missing word and answer the next question.
Would you agree that in order to keep the Sabbath day holy as Father Yahweh desires, His people must assemble together or meet on the Sabbath Day?
Should we follow the clear guidelines and examples He sets from the scriptures above, or do you agree with those who say getting together on the Sabbath for church worship with fellow believers isn’t important to Father Yahweh?
If led by the Holy Spirit, you too will keep the Sabbath holy by following His go to church command. To remember to keep the Sabbath day holy is to use it for the purpose for which Yahweh designed or appointed it. It's designed to be a day for both corporate worship as well as private devotion. The Sabbath is not designed for our own ordinary labor, idleness, or amusement. It's meant for spiritual meditations, as well as physical rest in the holy joy of mutual helpfulness. For Holy Spirit filled and led People, it is designed by King Yahshua to be the holiest, happiest, brightest, and best day of all seven. This leads us to...
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #5:To keep the Sabbath holy, we must discipline ourselves to acknowledge and rest from all that Yahweh's word tells us to rest from.
The deeper we study what the word of Yahweh says on SABBATH keeping, He let's us know that in achieving the motivation of pleasing His heart, there are various clear guidelines or examples of obedience that show resting from our own work has a broader sphere of meaning and influence upon us than we might think. Realize that our own works are categorized by Yahweh as more than just physical labors or exertion, but also mental or distractions or exertions not approved as holy unto Elohim on the Sabbath day are our own works that should be rested from. Let's begin by first defining what the word rest can means to us... Strong's defines REST (Transliteration: shabath,Phonetic Spelling: shaw-bath'): cause to, let, make to cease, celebrate, cause make to fail, A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific) -- (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.
Would you agree that at the above definition can include resting from both our own uninspired by Elohim, unnecessary physical and mental activities? Consistent with everything else, we've studied on the Sabbath day scripture shows we are to worship Yahweh by as much as possible dedicating any physical exertions or mental expenditures for his purposes only. We must remember that for us, Yahweh who is Spirit, is not just Lord and Creator of the spiritual realm which came first, He is Lord and Creator of the physical realm. In order for our Sabbath rest to exclusively be complete in the holiness of who Yahweh is, His command to rest must apply to ceasing from both our own physical and mental preoccupations.
Whether physical exertions of the body or mental aspirations of the heart, on the Sabbath, we must strive to rest from any worldly, secular, non-spiritual activities not dedicated to or inspired by Yahweh Himself. In obedience we must discipline ourselves to only Elohim inspired physical activities or mental preoccupations. .(A) ISAIAH 58: 13-14 BROADENS THE SCOPE OF WHAT RESTING FROM OUR OWN WORKS MEAN..
The word of Yahweh lets us know that resting from our own works includes, our own words (also see: 1 Pet 4:11), ways, plans, or pleasures...
After reading what Isaiah 58 has to say, along with Rev 4:11, do you agree that Yahweh's reason for required rest from our own works on the Sabbath day is because He knows that doing so helps us as much as possible to worship Him; as we will be worshiping Him in Heaven? Another aspect about keeping as much as possible a holy focus on this day is experiencing pure undisturbed individual and corporate fellowship or communion with Him, helps accelerate our spiritual growth and strength in Christ-likeness. Yahweh's pleasure should be our mutual and primary focus everyday; as we practice what Paul says in...
Galatians 5:16,"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law ..24 Those who belong to Messiah Yahshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit."
Hebrews 12: 1,"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off every encumbrance"
"and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.2 Let us fix our eyes on Yahshua, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. 3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
When it comes to everyday growing proficient in walking in the Spirit, we are not only to lay aside the sin that so easily besets us, but Yahweh wants us to gain an attitude that is willing to "throw off every encumbrance"! These aren't necessarily things that are considered to be sin, but can either lead to sin or spiritual inefficiency.
Like Yahshua we are to be spiritually high speed and low drag, so we must become like top athletes, martial artist, or soldier of whom it is important to regularly go off to spend secluded time at training camps with other like minded, dedicated people who with them are willing to isolate themselves from the every day responsibilities, distractions and restraints of life. It's important for them to regularly spend unencumbered, freed or liberated time to just strictly focus on perfecting and getting better at knowing their craft...
1 Corinthians 9:24,"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. 26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. 27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
2 Timothy 2:3,"Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Messiah Yahshua 4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.5 Likewise, a contender does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules."
To be like Yahshua, we Christians must strive to master walking in the Spirit. The Sabbath is a special one day a week training camp where as much as possible we isolate from the every day responsibilities, distractions and restraints of normal life, to be spiritually liberated in spending more valuable time growing and being strengthened by the Master in righteousness. We are free and unencumbered to just strictly focus on perfecting and getting better at knowing Yahshua; without whom we can do nothing.
Yahweh commands a Sabbath training camp or disciplined time with him that's more spiritually focused than any other day of the week. Unlike the other days of the week, when walking with Him, allows time and attention for our own secondary responsibilities,plans or pleasures, we benefit more by forsaking even these pursuits on the Sabbath.Our own normally lawful words, plans, pleasures and ways, are to cease occupying our time and attention which only goes to His words, ways, plans, and pleasures.
We must be freed or liberated of any unnecessary conflicts upon Yahweh's Sabbath being a time of special intensified, undisturbed, productive, practical experience in the worship of mutual intimacy with Him. Yahweh's wisdom does this by commanding us to deny or fast from even our own secular desires that normally aren't sinful. They become sinful on the Sabbath because these uninspired by Elohim activities are unnecessary distractions with no spiritual benefit.
It's just like the most strict Sabbath day of the year (Yom Kippur), or at other times when the Master Yahshua said we'd gain stronger faith from consecrating or devoting ourselves unto Yahweh in prayer and fasting. Physical food which is not normally sinful to eat becomes sinful if you violate your oath of consecration before Yahweh; by doing so during that given time period (Acts 23:12-15). Likewise, on the weekly Sabbath day, Yahweh commands a consecration of holiness that forsakes as sinful, our own normally lawful plans, pleasures, thoughts, or words.
On the Sabbath day, we include these normally allowed secular activities, as our own works to be rested from. This humble form of obedient worship, creates optimal conditions that naturally benefits us with a faster rate of spiritual growth, maturity and fellowship in Messiah.
(B): SABBATH REST IS EXCLUSIVE DELIGHT IN, AND REWARD FROM, THE PROVISION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In Isaiah 58: 13 What does Yahweh Elohim want us to honor ? ________Despite telling us to honor this by halting or resting from our own plans, ways, pleasures or words, what does Yahweh Elohim still want us to call a delight?
As we humbly deny ourselves our own pleasures, plans, words, and ways, and with our minds follow the leading of His Holy Spirit, Yahweh Elohim causes us to delight in the Sabbath day; which the fleshly minded man sees as impossible foolishness. In v. 14, if we keep Father Yahweh’s commandment concerning honoring His Sabbath day, what does he promise He will cause to happen to us?
Based on MT 15:18, besides resting from our own physical activities, do you think within Father Yahweh's guidelines of keeping the Sabbath day holy, Isaiah 58:13(b) also implies that He is concerned that we rest from our own activities of the heart and mind so that our words which express them are also yielded unto Him?
According to Isaiah 58:14 the big reason Father Yahweh commands us to limit or even eliminate our own purely self motivated physical or mental activities, on His Sabbath Day is so that with the least amount of distraction our mind, body and soul would be yielded unto the Freedom and liberty that only His Holy Spirit can provide.
In this modern era of social media that's so addictive, Christians on the Sabbath should strive not to let the random face book post and text messages cause the thoughts of their mind and words to wander or stray away from holy devotion to Yahweh, into the secular words and thought processes of worldly non-Sabbath keeping people. Unless it's devoted unto Yahweh, it is our own pleasures that we are to rest from.This would include secular t.v, shows, music or games.
When we also put MT 12:8 & Is 58:13, together they show the Sabbath Day is not meant at all for our own labors or amusements; but is holy time sanctified exclusively for devotion, honor and worship unto Yahshua as Lord?
On the Sabbath, our Heavenly Lord and Husband desires us to show forth love towards Him by denying ourselves more than any other day and instead delight to honor, and glorify Him only as we yield everything to His leading alone. This includes His uninhibited possession and leading of the words of our mouths, which is spiritual evidence of the feelings and meditations of our hearts being yielded to His Holy Spirit. Not our ways, our plans but His inspired and ordained ways and plans.
Unlike the other days of the week where He tells us, it is not a sin to enjoy some of my own pleasures such as a Steeler's football games on TV, on the Sabbath, my pleasures must only line up with Father Yahweh's pleasures. If the time is not spent dedicated to honoring, glorifying, and acknowledging Him only, I need to repent. On the other six days of the week, it is not sin for me to speak my own words such as discussing the latest sales, non-spiritual jokes, entertainment or playing secular sports or games; but I must repent from doing so on the Sabbath.
Because both the content of our hearts and our words are related,we should examine our hearts, words or feelings every day, seeking Father Yahweh's leading; (LK 6: 45;PS 19: 14). If this fact is true on the other days of the week, it's all the more true when it comes to our stricter Elohim led and dedicated only use of our words on the Sabbath. Unlike the other six days of the week where it is okay to make plans such as going to Kennywood Park, not going to church, reading secular books, or playing secular music, or concerts not dedicated to Yahweh, on the Sabbath I repent.
On the Sabbath Yahweh's people strive to a greater degree to let Elohim's Spirit possess and lead us in all our ways; making the ways of that day focused specifically to the glory and honor of our Heavenly Father only! The Sabbath is meant to be celebrated Yahweh's way; symbolizing what Heaven will be like. In Heaven everything is Elohim centered or focused exclusively on Elohim honoring activity. In Heavens eternity, there will be no intrusive, distracting non-Elohim honoring elements of this corrupt world.
Entering Yahweh's Sabbath rest by freely choosing not to do our own work or pleasure affords us the best ability to Maximize freedom in His Spirit; doing His work and pleasure only. His Sabbath rest is a weekly expression and reminder that from the beginning, all creation was originally made for his pleasure. Once every seventh day of the week, we exclusively rest in Yahweh so that not only can we bless Him, but so He might bless and encourage us with the closest experience to being together in Heaven, while still yet on Earth. A small celebratory practice taste of how heaven will be. Read Leviticus 23:1-3 and see if Father Yahweh’s word views the Sabbath day as a feast unto Him?
Should we look at the Sabbath day as a weekly feast of spiritual celebration and fellowship together in the goodness of Yahweh?
Read Is 58:13-14;Psalm 92:1-6;Ezek 46:3. and pick the correct answer...
1.) Because we can’t do our own fleshly, worldly entertainments or preoccupations, His Sabbath is a time of dreary boredom, where we miserably go through the motions until it's happily over? or...
2.) Father Yahweh desires for us to make our Sabbath celebration, a delight of High praises and worship directed exclusively unto Him!!!
Though still in this imperfect fleshly world, we celebrate the Sabbath memorial by seeking to rest as much as possible as heirs of the Father and join heirs with the son. We honor both, Elohim the Father and the Son, when we walk in Sabbath keeping as Yahshua did His whole life. Both individually and corporately, we use this Elohim appointed set apart time to intensify our growth in the practice and exercise of exclusively being led by the Spirit who is Elohim the Father and Son in us (JN 5:19-23).
(C) SABBATH HOLINESS INCLUDES RESTING FROM VARIOUS TYPES OF OUR OWN PHYSICAL PREOCCUPATIONS
Many who with their free will choose on the Sabbath day not to practice any limitations (physical or other wise), believe Father Yahweh has nothing to do with the idea. In this way they fail to obey Yahweh's command to keep the Sabbath day holy; mistakenly believing the very mention of limitations to be the extreme teachings of men and not Elohim inspired.
(C-1)Whether Voluntary Or Paid, We Should Rest From Our Own Physical Labors Or Chores
Yahweh's word shows us we are too rest also from our own volunteered non-paying physical labors such as carrying heavy straining loads (Jer.17:19-27). Even such voluntary household jobs that we may give ourselves, like cleaning out the garage, moving furniture, painting or mowing the lawn should be rested from on the Sabbath. We see a further prohibition of this kind of voluntary physical labor exampled in Numbers 15: 32-36.
History shows that the longer people move about on the Sabbath, without fear or dedication towards Yahweh's holy purposes, the more likely they are dishonoring Yahweh and His day. Instead of resting from movement motivated by their own purposes, they meet with His disapproval. Read Ex 16:23-30 to find Yahweh's cure for this type of false Sabbath keeping. Can you find and say the number of the two versus that best show Father Yahweh Himself putting physical limitations on his people?
Looking at the context, what was it that caused Yahweh Elohim to limit the mobility of His people on the Sabbath? Before we meet Yahweh's disapproval, perhaps it would be wise to rest from our own self made physical movements; and as much as possible perform only those that work towards accomplishing His Sabbath commands or purposes.
Both of the following scripture scenarios eventually reveal how serious Yahweh's displeasure or judgment for breaking His Law is, which one addresses specifically breaking the physical requirements of the Sabbath rest? (Ex 32:15; 35:2-3) [END]
Do you wonder why Father Yahweh had such a serious response for the people of ancient Israel attempting to kindle a fire on the Sabbath or gathering sticks to carrying? Use Webster’s Dictionary to look up the definition of kindle.
Do you think Father Yahweh responded this way because without the modern aid of matches, stoves, or microwaves, creating fire was physical and mental exertion or preoccupation that violated the Sabbath rest command by taking valued time and focus away from worshiping Yahweh?
Is it highly probable that starting a fire and walking around gathering and carrying a load of sticks, required more physical work or exertion on the Sabbath than Father Yahweh wanted.
In Strong's Bible Concordance look up the definition for burden in Jer. 17:19-27 or Neh. 13:15,19. At first glance the definition may not seem to fit the usage of the word in context with the passage. Can you research further by finding and looking up in Websters Dictionary some of the words written in the definition and say the word and it’s definition which you believe best applies to the meaning of burden as used in the scripture text?
The Pharisees and many Orthodox Jewish Rabbi's today, wrongly teach that you’re breaking the Sabbath if you carry even a little pin in your pocket. They say it’s the same thing as carrying a burden. Would you say the definitions shown in scripture is in agreement with this teaching, or it’s an error of man made origin?
Again our Heavenly Husband knows that we can be easily distracted from the spiritual freedom He desires we experience together with Him on the Sabbath. He tells us to prepare in advance so that these kinds of self initiated labors will not detain us from the undivided dedicated attention He so desires from us during His special Sabbath day celebration. This leads to what to many is another very important and even pleasurable preoccupation that we on the Sabbath day are commanded to rest from.
(C-2)Whether Voluntary Or Paid, We Rest From even Non-Physical Labor Employment Or Activities Of The Secular Business World of Commerce or Supply And Demand
This Sabbath prohibition includes ALL forms of worldly employment for which earned income is gained for either ourselves or others. This means eating out at restaurants, going to the malls, ordering products online; ect (Neh. 10: 31; 13: 15-22).
Do you think spending your money for things at stores, restaurants or theaters on the Sabbath day helps encourage others to work; since it’s their business to sell you their goods?
Based on Exodus 20:9-11 is it okay in Yahweh’s eyes to encourage others or even strangers around us to do any of our or their, own work?
Do you think it’s okay in Yahweh’s eyes that many Jews today hire worldly people who don't keep the Sabbath to run their businesses so on the Sabbath they can still make money without having to work themselves?
Read again 13:15-18. What kind of attitude did Nehemiah have towards Yahweh’s people who profaned the Sabbath in this way?
Read 2 Tim 4:2-4. How would you respond to people today who claim to keep the Sabbath but feel they don’t need to obey Elohim’s command not to buy or sell (do business)? Should we respond the same way as Nehemiah; or let people continue to think they’re Sabbath keepers, and its no big deal?
Read Isaiah 56:2-8. What will happen to any man who obeys Yahweh’s limitations; on the Sabbath Day?
On this special day dedicated to Him, our Heavenly Husband doesn't want our focus distracted or preoccupied with earning an income or promoting others to do so by shopping at stores or purchasing the secular services of movies or restaurants. On the Sabbath we are to rest from this kind of pursuit and instead spend time focused specifically on what Yahweh Elohim is saying or doing.
(C-3) Rest From Lengthy Food Preparations
One very popular voluntary labor or chore of physical and mental exertion that can unnecessarily take away from a Elohim only Sabbath focus, is our food preparation (EX 16: 4-5,16-30). Our Heavenly Husband wants us to rest from the distracting preoccupation that extensive food preparation can cause. Remember Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #2? Our Elohim gave our Spiritual fore-Fathers (ancient Israel) and even us today, this specific guideline to follow in order to rest from distracting food preparations on the Sabbath day...
22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.23 .And he said unto them, This is that which Yahweh hath said, : and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning To morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto Yahweh bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe;
Dictionary.com Defines:seethe [seeth]Show,IPA or ( seethed verb, Obsolete ) or ( sod;seethed Obsolete ) or sod·den sod; seeth·ing; noun, verb (used without objec)
1.to surge or foam as if boiling.
2.to be in a state of agitation or excitement.
3.Archaic . to boil.verb (used with object)
4.to soak or steep.
5.to cook by boiling or simmering; boil.
The idea here is ancient forms of food preparation consumed a lot of time and attention, and Yahweh doesn't want us to let our Sabbath priority of undivided attention and important fellowship time with him to be detracted from. Like what was happening with Martha...
Luke 10:38,"As they traveled along, Yahshua entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His message. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Yahshua and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. 42But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Preparation of Sabbath meals should not be extensively involved or complicated; because only one thing is commanded as necessary on the Sabbath day. To prevent taking unnecessary time away from undivided corporate or individual worship and meditations on Yahweh, on the Sabbath we could simply eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast; and a simple cold sandwich and chips for lunch. We should not be dirtying up the kitchen to stir batter and baking things; or sitting over a hot stove frying up ground meat, boiling noodles, and mixing and stirring in sauces to make things like spaghetti from scratch on the Sabbath.
According to the commandment, if we must, we should do all this more involved food preparation or work the day before. We should eliminate having such distractions on the Sabbath by doing all this kind of preparing for meals on the sixth day for both days.Than meals on the Sabbath would already be ready and attention to food preparation minimized against taking unnecessary time and attention away from Yahweh's command to rest in Him. The most you should have to do is a quick warm up of something like spaghetti to serve for dinner.
Even better,is eliminating even the need to warm up foods by preparing a slow cooker (crock pot) meal on Friday's so that on the Sabbath, little more than a few seconds to be plugged in and turned on a timer to be ready to serve at dinner time is required. This leads us to...
(C-4) Sabbath Walking [END]
As you'll see, the inspired scriptures consistently seem to promote or suggest that, Elohim's idea of Sabbath rest extending even to the point of steering us to purposely minimize or limit physical exertions as a whole to only what's necessary to fulfill His Sabbath purposes. From Old Testament past, to New Testament future, we see Yahweh's people in their Sabbath worship practicing limited physical mobility. Even resting from unnecessary or to much walking was practiced by the disciples of Yahshua our Lord and Savior who himself did not make them follow unnecessary traditions of men such as washing their hands before eating (MT 15:1-3).
For three years, Yahshua taught his disciples by word and deed and only said or did what he saw the Holy Spirit led him to do. As a disciple of Yahshua, Dr. Luke addressed his gospel to a Gentile/Greek, disciple named Theophilus. Luke intended his gospel for the Gentile Christians. Paul was the leading apostle to the Gentiles disciples of Yahshua and may have encouraged Luke to write such an account. Luke wanted to give an account of the gospel to a non-Jewish audience who were not accustomed to Jewish beliefs and practices and who lived in a society dominated by the pagan Greek culture and Greek language. Luke wrote his gospel in the common Greek of the day. It was likely written between 63-70 A.D.
In Acts 1: 12 the Holy Spirit inspired Dr. Luke was led to mention to these Gentile disciples, how Yahshua's three year trained by the Master, New Covenant disciples, and leaders of the New Covenant church, still made it a point to limit their physical exertion of walking by foot through observing the traditionally set Sabbath distance. Holman Bible Dictionary:"Sabbath Day's Journey" Distance a Jew in Jesus's day considered ritually legal to walk on the seventh day.
This phrase appears only once in the Bible (Acts 1:12), describing the distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. Scholars have surmised that the expression came from God's instruction to the children of Israel as they prepared to cross the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 3:4). As they followed the priest bearing the ark of the covenant, they must maintain a distance of 2,000 cubits from it. Earlier, while in the wilderness, they had been told not to leave home on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:29). Rabbis eventually interpreted these commands as limiting Sabbath travel to 2,000 cubits. That was the farthest that a loyal Jew should be from his center of worship on the Sabbath."
In the three years He walked and taught His disciples, they emulated him and got to know his habits and customs, by following him in both example of word and deed. It is likely that our Lord Yahshua followed this same practice on the Sabbath. In light of this and how Sabbath sanctified celebration rule # 3 shows from Genesis mankind learned from Elohim who became Yahshua in the flesh, by following Elohim's own example or practice as well as his words on how to keep the Sabbath. The Holy Spirit who is Yahshua inspired DR. Luke to write and point out these very specific words to fellow disciples who were Gentiles in origin.
We know Yahweh is consistent, are we as His disciple going to be likewise consistent in following the Master? Remember what 1 John 2 says...
3 "By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments .4 If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5. But if anyone keeps His word, the love of Elohim has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Yahshua walked."
(C-5) Physically Fleeing For Life Even More Undesirable On The Sabbath
In MT 24: 20 The Master Yahshua Messiah says that in the tribulation of the future last days, the physical and mental exertion or stress of having to run or flee for one’s life should be prayed against. This specifically implies that even though it's not a sin to engage in the physical and mental distraction of running for your life on the Sabbath, having to do so is even more undesirable than it would be on the other days of the week.
It's so highly undesirable because as we've consistently been seeing from Yahweh's word as a whole, this unfortunate circumstance takes away from His people keeping the holy command of resting from man made or inspired preoccupations. This naturally leads to...
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #6:If you're a Christian, Father Yahweh is the Ultimate head of your house hold. As Elohim's friends or ordained under heads of HIs House hold, you like Father Abraham should be commanding that everyone within your realm of dominion keep the Yahweh's Sabbath. Just as Yahweh Elohim made Adam and Eve, and blessed them to live in a beautiful garden of Eden in which they were put in charge; the ultimate head of Adam and Eve was still Father Yahweh and they were to keep His Laws, statutes and commandments; and teach the rest of mankind (their children-Gen 18: 19; Josh.24:15, Deut 6:6-8;11:18-20) to strive to keep them also...:
In Exodus 20:8-11, can you find or write the number of the verse that shows parents should keep the Sabbath day holy by enforcing it's practice among their children?
Again, as the bride of Yahshua, the Messiah is your heavenly Husband and the ultimate head of your household. Like Adam and Eve He puts you in charge of proactively enforcing the rules of His house hold; even among guest or strangers who might be staying in your house or environment of control (EX 20: 10). Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #7: Like any sin, we are to hold our fellow brother and sisters accountable to repent when found not keeping the Sabbath according to the principles of Yahweh's word (Gal. 6:1;James 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:2).
Led by the Spirit Nehemiah 13: 19-21 reproved and corrected his fellow Isrealites. In Numbers 15: we see this exampled..: 32 While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, 34 and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. 35 Then Yahweh said to Moses, “The man must die.
The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp.” 36 So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death,as Yahweh commanded Moses. Unlike under the Old covenant, the New Covenant no-longer cuts deserving sinners off from Father Yahweh's people by physical death; but the steps of trying to get the sinner to repent in MT 18: 15-17 are to be followed.
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #8: Physical exertion or work inspired by and dedicated too the glorious, holy, good purposes of Father Yahweh is allowed.
(Mt 12: 1-8). First, because Yahshua is the Lord of the Sabbath, and he led by the Spirit gave glory to our Heavenly Father by showing mercy to people who are suffering. This is apart of loving your neighbor and Elohim and to do so is a normal practices of His law. Led by the Spirit, Yahshua gave this man rest from his suffering and glory to the Heavenly Father; he was not guilty of violating the Sabbath command.
Read MT.12: 9-13;LK 6:1-4,9: Would Father Yahweh call it bad for us to do works of mercy in which physical exertions we normally wouldn’t do on His Sabbath day help bring suffering or troubled animals and people relief? Read MT 12:1-4;Lk 6:1-5. Use Strong's Bible concordance to look up the following numbers for definitions of “an hungred “(#3983 & #3993).
Read 1 Sam 21:3-6. David and his men had been running for their lives from King Saul for a long time without and food or drink. They were in need of immediate sustenance. Would you say the fact that scripture doesn’t condemn David or his men for eating the Show bread demonstrates Father Yahweh mercifully makes some allowances or exceptions in certain situations (i.e. Life and death) to some of his rules; including the Sabbath? David and his men were Yahweh's servants. They were in a serious situation of life and death and Yahweh through His priest choose mercifully loving your neighbor over his normal show bread Law. During normal non- life threatening situations what both the Priest along with David and his men did would have been sin before Yahweh.
Does Mt 12:7 suggest that the disciples who were very hungry from walking around on the Sabbath serving the Master in His holy Spirit led ministry, were innocent in Yahweh's eyes when they simply plucked some grains of wheat as they passed a wheat field? Like David and his men who were serving Yahweh and in a harsh situation, obtained merciful relief from hunger by eating of the show bread, the disciples were suffering from hunger, and despite the Pharisees protest, were not guilty in Yahweh's eyes of unlawful farm work or harvesting on the Sabbath. Them picking a few grains of wheat to fill their stomachs with, wasn't even a exception normally not allowed by Yahweh.
Would you agree that helping troubled and suffering animals or people is also in keeping with Exodus 20:10; enabling them to better rest on Yahweh’s Sabbath day?
Read LK 13:15-16. Do you think Father Yahweh forbids us such everyday necessities as getting our thirsty or hungry pets food and water; or changing our baby’s diapers on the Sabbath?
Read 1 CHRON 23:28-32; 2 CHRON 31:2-3;Num 28:9-10,JN 7:22-24 and answer did Father Yahweh have exceptions as far as allowing or even commanding certain types of work to be done on the Sabbath? [END]
If you find He did allow a kind of work on the Sabbath, what category or kind of work would you label or name it under?
In scripture the penalty for men who on their own pick up sticks and light a fire on the Sabbath is death. Other men (priest) performing various Elohim assigned work such as making a fire, killing and cutting up sheep and bulls and placing their bodies on top of the alter of sacrifice on the Sabbath is okay? True/false
MT 12:1-5, Can you find and write the number of the versus from the scripture that further show how in Yahweh’s eyes those who worked on the Sabbath for His purposes are not guilty of breaking the Sabbath?
Read JN 5:5-17.Would you say this also shows that even though as a rule, our own work on the Sabbath isn’t allowed (Ex 20:9), Elohim directed physical labor or work done for His glory and ministry is allowed? Keeping this in mind, go back and consider Neh 13:19-21;15:21 & Num 15:36 to answer the following. Do you think in Yahweh’s eyes Nehemiah or his men would have been guilty of violating the Sabbath rest command, if he physically exerted himself, to carry out his threat? (Why or Why not?)
What about the Children of Israel in Numbers? (Why or Why not?)
Read LK 6:5. Because of who Yahshua is, if He (Elohim in the flesh) tells us on the Sabbath to physically exert ourselves, building an ark like Noah, would you say it’s OK?
In JN 5:5-13, for the glory of Elohim the Father, it was Yahshua the Lord of the Sabbath who led by the Holy Spirit commanded the supernaturally healed paralyzed man of thirty years to get up and carry his bed on the Sabbath day. If done for his own purposes and direction,this man doing the work of carrying his own bed on the Sabbath would be a sin against Yahweh, but since this was done for Yahweh's purposes and direction, he is innocent. If the Spirit leads you to physically exert yourself by dancing as David danced on the Sabbath, you are innocent.
What would you say to someone who teaches that Father Yahweh's word doesn’t ever allow work of any kind on His Sabbath?
Did Yahshua as the Creator of the Sabbath day interpreted how to keep it holy differently than the religious leaders of His time?
Many religious leaders today (modern day Pharisees) attempt to use these same arguments out of proper context of the whole counsel of Father Yahweh’s word to not only replace or throw out the man made regulations of the Pharisees of old, but also Elohim’s still in effect Sabbath command of resting from your own works. Do you agree that Yahweh's people should still strive to follow Father Yahweh’s command of Sabbath rest? Or like many who claim to follow Yahshua, should we make what Yahweh only allowed under rare circumstances as a Sabbath exception; become the rule for all that Yahweh say's we should rest from?
Do you think the anointed King David, along with his men who ate the sacred Show bread and were found guiltless, took this exception to mean that he could now do away with Father Yahweh’s command and teach that anyone not just the priest are regularly allowed to eat of it?
Read MT 5:17-20,15: 1-10. From reading scripture which statement is more probable?
1.) Yahshua (Sabbath Creator) was altogether doing away with physical limitations; even what He himself originally placed on the Sabbath in Genesis and Exodus, or
2.) He was simply restoring the Law (true Sabbath keeping) back to what He originally designed from the beginning; by correcting the false man made laws or traditions the Scribes and Pharisees erroneously enforced as the doctrines of Elohim?
Use the Strong's Concordance and look up the definition of Doctrine or Doctrines:
Again, read MT 24:19-20 and use the Strong's Bible Concordance to look up the definition of flight:
Many professed believers falsely believe that today under the New Covenant, Yahshua (Elohim in the flesh) has put to rest His own Sabbath command for His people to rest from their own human inspired physical or mental activities. As you can see in the above scriptures, Yahshua speaking of the still future end times, shows how the Sabbath command for His people to rest is still expected by him to be an important desire and holy practice. Naturally the immediate need for His people to suddenly depart and have to run for their lives, was made even more difficult if occurring on the Sabbath. Would you agree this is a big reason Yahshua asked the people to pray that their flight would not have to be on the Sabbath?
(A) HIS EXAMPLE OF REST HELPS US GRACIOUSLY SHARE IN HIS GLORY HONOR POWER AND PRAISE FOREVER
So now do you see why once a week Yahweh Elohim has us rest from our own works (plans, pleasures, words, and ways) unto only His works (plans, pleasures, words, and ways)? What Yahweh Elohim has already exampled to us in Genesis during the first Sabbath day of Creation week, unto its completion or New beginning of Heavens eternity in Revelation, is a reminder. A reminder that mans curse began when Adam and Eve forsook or demoted their Creator's only good desire with them, in exchange embracing their own desires that were outside of his leading as priority.
They should have strictly chosen Yahweh's plan, pleasures, words, and ways above their own. Our blessings begin when we forsake our ways and forever embrace and follow only Yahweh's own good Heavenly example; above all things. Yahweh unto who every knee shall bow and tongue acknowledge as both the beginning and completion of all things; whether unto eternal blessings or curse. That's why we are forever blessed by him and a blessing to each other, when we continue to follow after His Sabbath example.
His Sabbath example unto us is to do good by caring for one another (MT 12: 9-13;25: 34-40). Celebrating the Sabbath is not just meant to be a rest (of ceasing) or synonymous fast (of ceasing) from worldly secular affairs for ourselves. Following after Yahshua's righteous example we are to do good, helping others who are suffering, to also rest on the Sabbath. In fact the ultimate summary description of what Yahweh's eternal Sabbath rest example or fast, is meant to be, is again found in Isaiah 58... 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of Yahweh shall be thy reward.9 Then shalt thou call, and Yahweh shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.
If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:11 And Yahweh shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
In keeping the Sabbath holy, we symbolically celebrate Elohim's ultimate future example of once again using His Creative power completed in a showcase of His eternal rest with us...Rev. 21 " 3,"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and EL himself shall be with them, and be their EL.4 .And He shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
Praise Yahweh! We are going to rest or fast from the curse that our own works brought upon us from the Garden of Eden. A Heavenly rest we'll have with Yahweh Elohim for all eternity!!!
Conclusion:The Sabbath day is one of two surviving institutions established by Elohim in Edenic life that have persisted since the fall, the other being the closely related and symbolic of our relationship with Elohim marriage institution. Te Sabbath day is therefore, fundamental to Edenic and Heavenly paradise ideals. This day of rest occurs weekly, in order to keep always before us the fact of Elohim's rest at the close of Creation week,; and at the completion of this old sin cursed Earthly time.
We are to remember Yahweh Elohim everyday, but the Sabbath comes to us weekly, bringing larger opportunities for rest, meditation, and communion with the Creator. Before its blessed and precious effects have been lost, the approach of another Sabbath re-news its hallowing influence. Thus it sweetens all the days and extends its blessings to all our time, as we "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Just as our Spirit led Master Yahshua was, so His disciples who were likewise led wrote about Yahshua (Yahweh Elohim in the flesh) our example in LK 4:16...
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read." (see LK 13:10;Mark 1:21) The synagogue is a Jewish name for a church building in which Yahweh's people would assemble together on the Sabbath day for holy worship. On the Sabbath it was the Master Yahshua's custom to go to church and read scripture. Led by the Spirit the apostle John wrote in 1 JN 2: 5-6.... "But whoso keepeth his word, in verily is the love of Elohim perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked"
Led of the Spirit, the apostle Paul like Yahshua also customarily went to church on the Sabbath ( Acts 17: 2).
Since time is short, Yahweh gives an urgency for His people to spend as much time together as possible in corporate Elohim only focused activity. This is why concerning Yahweh's appointed times such as the weekly Sabbath day, or annual feast; and even at other times, Paul wrote....
Heb. 10:24"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Why did the Holy Spirit lead both Yahshua and his followers to go to church on the Sabbath day with other believers? Because Yahshua who was the WORD/LOGOS made flesh, was the embodiment of Elohim the Father's righteous Law character. True to his Holy Spirit led nature, He wasn't just doing a hobby, He was following a righteous command that He Himself lovingly inspired in Lev. 23:1-3.
Read Lev 23:3 (KJV) and say the word that follows where this sentence leaves off, ” but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy_________”
Use a Bible concordance or Dictionary to read the definition of the missing word and answer the next question.
Would you agree that in order to keep the Sabbath day holy as Father Yahweh desires, His people must assemble together or meet on the Sabbath Day?
Should we follow the clear guidelines and examples He sets from the scriptures above, or do you agree with those who say getting together on the Sabbath for church worship with fellow believers isn’t important to Father Yahweh?
If led by the Holy Spirit, you too will keep the Sabbath holy by following His go to church command. To remember to keep the Sabbath day holy is to use it for the purpose for which Yahweh designed or appointed it. It's designed to be a day for both corporate worship as well as private devotion. The Sabbath is not designed for our own ordinary labor, idleness, or amusement. It's meant for spiritual meditations, as well as physical rest in the holy joy of mutual helpfulness. For Holy Spirit filled and led People, it is designed by King Yahshua to be the holiest, happiest, brightest, and best day of all seven. This leads us to...
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #5:To keep the Sabbath holy, we must discipline ourselves to acknowledge and rest from all that Yahweh's word tells us to rest from.
The deeper we study what the word of Yahweh says on SABBATH keeping, He let's us know that in achieving the motivation of pleasing His heart, there are various clear guidelines or examples of obedience that show resting from our own work has a broader sphere of meaning and influence upon us than we might think. Realize that our own works are categorized by Yahweh as more than just physical labors or exertion, but also mental or distractions or exertions not approved as holy unto Elohim on the Sabbath day are our own works that should be rested from. Let's begin by first defining what the word rest can means to us... Strong's defines REST (Transliteration: shabath,Phonetic Spelling: shaw-bath'): cause to, let, make to cease, celebrate, cause make to fail, A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific) -- (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.
Would you agree that at the above definition can include resting from both our own uninspired by Elohim, unnecessary physical and mental activities? Consistent with everything else, we've studied on the Sabbath day scripture shows we are to worship Yahweh by as much as possible dedicating any physical exertions or mental expenditures for his purposes only. We must remember that for us, Yahweh who is Spirit, is not just Lord and Creator of the spiritual realm which came first, He is Lord and Creator of the physical realm. In order for our Sabbath rest to exclusively be complete in the holiness of who Yahweh is, His command to rest must apply to ceasing from both our own physical and mental preoccupations.
Whether physical exertions of the body or mental aspirations of the heart, on the Sabbath, we must strive to rest from any worldly, secular, non-spiritual activities not dedicated to or inspired by Yahweh Himself. In obedience we must discipline ourselves to only Elohim inspired physical activities or mental preoccupations. .(A) ISAIAH 58: 13-14 BROADENS THE SCOPE OF WHAT RESTING FROM OUR OWN WORKS MEAN..
The word of Yahweh lets us know that resting from our own works includes, our own words (also see: 1 Pet 4:11), ways, plans, or pleasures...
After reading what Isaiah 58 has to say, along with Rev 4:11, do you agree that Yahweh's reason for required rest from our own works on the Sabbath day is because He knows that doing so helps us as much as possible to worship Him; as we will be worshiping Him in Heaven? Another aspect about keeping as much as possible a holy focus on this day is experiencing pure undisturbed individual and corporate fellowship or communion with Him, helps accelerate our spiritual growth and strength in Christ-likeness. Yahweh's pleasure should be our mutual and primary focus everyday; as we practice what Paul says in...
Galatians 5:16,"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law ..24 Those who belong to Messiah Yahshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit."
Hebrews 12: 1,"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off every encumbrance"
"and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.2 Let us fix our eyes on Yahshua, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. 3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
When it comes to everyday growing proficient in walking in the Spirit, we are not only to lay aside the sin that so easily besets us, but Yahweh wants us to gain an attitude that is willing to "throw off every encumbrance"! These aren't necessarily things that are considered to be sin, but can either lead to sin or spiritual inefficiency.
Like Yahshua we are to be spiritually high speed and low drag, so we must become like top athletes, martial artist, or soldier of whom it is important to regularly go off to spend secluded time at training camps with other like minded, dedicated people who with them are willing to isolate themselves from the every day responsibilities, distractions and restraints of life. It's important for them to regularly spend unencumbered, freed or liberated time to just strictly focus on perfecting and getting better at knowing their craft...
1 Corinthians 9:24,"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. 26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. 27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
2 Timothy 2:3,"Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Messiah Yahshua 4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.5 Likewise, a contender does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules."
To be like Yahshua, we Christians must strive to master walking in the Spirit. The Sabbath is a special one day a week training camp where as much as possible we isolate from the every day responsibilities, distractions and restraints of normal life, to be spiritually liberated in spending more valuable time growing and being strengthened by the Master in righteousness. We are free and unencumbered to just strictly focus on perfecting and getting better at knowing Yahshua; without whom we can do nothing.
Yahweh commands a Sabbath training camp or disciplined time with him that's more spiritually focused than any other day of the week. Unlike the other days of the week, when walking with Him, allows time and attention for our own secondary responsibilities,plans or pleasures, we benefit more by forsaking even these pursuits on the Sabbath.Our own normally lawful words, plans, pleasures and ways, are to cease occupying our time and attention which only goes to His words, ways, plans, and pleasures.
We must be freed or liberated of any unnecessary conflicts upon Yahweh's Sabbath being a time of special intensified, undisturbed, productive, practical experience in the worship of mutual intimacy with Him. Yahweh's wisdom does this by commanding us to deny or fast from even our own secular desires that normally aren't sinful. They become sinful on the Sabbath because these uninspired by Elohim activities are unnecessary distractions with no spiritual benefit.
It's just like the most strict Sabbath day of the year (Yom Kippur), or at other times when the Master Yahshua said we'd gain stronger faith from consecrating or devoting ourselves unto Yahweh in prayer and fasting. Physical food which is not normally sinful to eat becomes sinful if you violate your oath of consecration before Yahweh; by doing so during that given time period (Acts 23:12-15). Likewise, on the weekly Sabbath day, Yahweh commands a consecration of holiness that forsakes as sinful, our own normally lawful plans, pleasures, thoughts, or words.
On the Sabbath day, we include these normally allowed secular activities, as our own works to be rested from. This humble form of obedient worship, creates optimal conditions that naturally benefits us with a faster rate of spiritual growth, maturity and fellowship in Messiah.
(B): SABBATH REST IS EXCLUSIVE DELIGHT IN, AND REWARD FROM, THE PROVISION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In Isaiah 58: 13 What does Yahweh Elohim want us to honor ? ________Despite telling us to honor this by halting or resting from our own plans, ways, pleasures or words, what does Yahweh Elohim still want us to call a delight?
As we humbly deny ourselves our own pleasures, plans, words, and ways, and with our minds follow the leading of His Holy Spirit, Yahweh Elohim causes us to delight in the Sabbath day; which the fleshly minded man sees as impossible foolishness. In v. 14, if we keep Father Yahweh’s commandment concerning honoring His Sabbath day, what does he promise He will cause to happen to us?
Based on MT 15:18, besides resting from our own physical activities, do you think within Father Yahweh's guidelines of keeping the Sabbath day holy, Isaiah 58:13(b) also implies that He is concerned that we rest from our own activities of the heart and mind so that our words which express them are also yielded unto Him?
According to Isaiah 58:14 the big reason Father Yahweh commands us to limit or even eliminate our own purely self motivated physical or mental activities, on His Sabbath Day is so that with the least amount of distraction our mind, body and soul would be yielded unto the Freedom and liberty that only His Holy Spirit can provide.
In this modern era of social media that's so addictive, Christians on the Sabbath should strive not to let the random face book post and text messages cause the thoughts of their mind and words to wander or stray away from holy devotion to Yahweh, into the secular words and thought processes of worldly non-Sabbath keeping people. Unless it's devoted unto Yahweh, it is our own pleasures that we are to rest from.This would include secular t.v, shows, music or games.
When we also put MT 12:8 & Is 58:13, together they show the Sabbath Day is not meant at all for our own labors or amusements; but is holy time sanctified exclusively for devotion, honor and worship unto Yahshua as Lord?
On the Sabbath, our Heavenly Lord and Husband desires us to show forth love towards Him by denying ourselves more than any other day and instead delight to honor, and glorify Him only as we yield everything to His leading alone. This includes His uninhibited possession and leading of the words of our mouths, which is spiritual evidence of the feelings and meditations of our hearts being yielded to His Holy Spirit. Not our ways, our plans but His inspired and ordained ways and plans.
Unlike the other days of the week where He tells us, it is not a sin to enjoy some of my own pleasures such as a Steeler's football games on TV, on the Sabbath, my pleasures must only line up with Father Yahweh's pleasures. If the time is not spent dedicated to honoring, glorifying, and acknowledging Him only, I need to repent. On the other six days of the week, it is not sin for me to speak my own words such as discussing the latest sales, non-spiritual jokes, entertainment or playing secular sports or games; but I must repent from doing so on the Sabbath.
Because both the content of our hearts and our words are related,we should examine our hearts, words or feelings every day, seeking Father Yahweh's leading; (LK 6: 45;PS 19: 14). If this fact is true on the other days of the week, it's all the more true when it comes to our stricter Elohim led and dedicated only use of our words on the Sabbath. Unlike the other six days of the week where it is okay to make plans such as going to Kennywood Park, not going to church, reading secular books, or playing secular music, or concerts not dedicated to Yahweh, on the Sabbath I repent.
On the Sabbath Yahweh's people strive to a greater degree to let Elohim's Spirit possess and lead us in all our ways; making the ways of that day focused specifically to the glory and honor of our Heavenly Father only! The Sabbath is meant to be celebrated Yahweh's way; symbolizing what Heaven will be like. In Heaven everything is Elohim centered or focused exclusively on Elohim honoring activity. In Heavens eternity, there will be no intrusive, distracting non-Elohim honoring elements of this corrupt world.
Entering Yahweh's Sabbath rest by freely choosing not to do our own work or pleasure affords us the best ability to Maximize freedom in His Spirit; doing His work and pleasure only. His Sabbath rest is a weekly expression and reminder that from the beginning, all creation was originally made for his pleasure. Once every seventh day of the week, we exclusively rest in Yahweh so that not only can we bless Him, but so He might bless and encourage us with the closest experience to being together in Heaven, while still yet on Earth. A small celebratory practice taste of how heaven will be. Read Leviticus 23:1-3 and see if Father Yahweh’s word views the Sabbath day as a feast unto Him?
Should we look at the Sabbath day as a weekly feast of spiritual celebration and fellowship together in the goodness of Yahweh?
Read Is 58:13-14;Psalm 92:1-6;Ezek 46:3. and pick the correct answer...
1.) Because we can’t do our own fleshly, worldly entertainments or preoccupations, His Sabbath is a time of dreary boredom, where we miserably go through the motions until it's happily over? or...
2.) Father Yahweh desires for us to make our Sabbath celebration, a delight of High praises and worship directed exclusively unto Him!!!
Though still in this imperfect fleshly world, we celebrate the Sabbath memorial by seeking to rest as much as possible as heirs of the Father and join heirs with the son. We honor both, Elohim the Father and the Son, when we walk in Sabbath keeping as Yahshua did His whole life. Both individually and corporately, we use this Elohim appointed set apart time to intensify our growth in the practice and exercise of exclusively being led by the Spirit who is Elohim the Father and Son in us (JN 5:19-23).
(C) SABBATH HOLINESS INCLUDES RESTING FROM VARIOUS TYPES OF OUR OWN PHYSICAL PREOCCUPATIONS
Many who with their free will choose on the Sabbath day not to practice any limitations (physical or other wise), believe Father Yahweh has nothing to do with the idea. In this way they fail to obey Yahweh's command to keep the Sabbath day holy; mistakenly believing the very mention of limitations to be the extreme teachings of men and not Elohim inspired.
(C-1)Whether Voluntary Or Paid, We Should Rest From Our Own Physical Labors Or Chores
Yahweh's word shows us we are too rest also from our own volunteered non-paying physical labors such as carrying heavy straining loads (Jer.17:19-27). Even such voluntary household jobs that we may give ourselves, like cleaning out the garage, moving furniture, painting or mowing the lawn should be rested from on the Sabbath. We see a further prohibition of this kind of voluntary physical labor exampled in Numbers 15: 32-36.
History shows that the longer people move about on the Sabbath, without fear or dedication towards Yahweh's holy purposes, the more likely they are dishonoring Yahweh and His day. Instead of resting from movement motivated by their own purposes, they meet with His disapproval. Read Ex 16:23-30 to find Yahweh's cure for this type of false Sabbath keeping. Can you find and say the number of the two versus that best show Father Yahweh Himself putting physical limitations on his people?
Looking at the context, what was it that caused Yahweh Elohim to limit the mobility of His people on the Sabbath? Before we meet Yahweh's disapproval, perhaps it would be wise to rest from our own self made physical movements; and as much as possible perform only those that work towards accomplishing His Sabbath commands or purposes.
Both of the following scripture scenarios eventually reveal how serious Yahweh's displeasure or judgment for breaking His Law is, which one addresses specifically breaking the physical requirements of the Sabbath rest? (Ex 32:15; 35:2-3) [END]
Do you wonder why Father Yahweh had such a serious response for the people of ancient Israel attempting to kindle a fire on the Sabbath or gathering sticks to carrying? Use Webster’s Dictionary to look up the definition of kindle.
Do you think Father Yahweh responded this way because without the modern aid of matches, stoves, or microwaves, creating fire was physical and mental exertion or preoccupation that violated the Sabbath rest command by taking valued time and focus away from worshiping Yahweh?
Is it highly probable that starting a fire and walking around gathering and carrying a load of sticks, required more physical work or exertion on the Sabbath than Father Yahweh wanted.
In Strong's Bible Concordance look up the definition for burden in Jer. 17:19-27 or Neh. 13:15,19. At first glance the definition may not seem to fit the usage of the word in context with the passage. Can you research further by finding and looking up in Websters Dictionary some of the words written in the definition and say the word and it’s definition which you believe best applies to the meaning of burden as used in the scripture text?
The Pharisees and many Orthodox Jewish Rabbi's today, wrongly teach that you’re breaking the Sabbath if you carry even a little pin in your pocket. They say it’s the same thing as carrying a burden. Would you say the definitions shown in scripture is in agreement with this teaching, or it’s an error of man made origin?
Again our Heavenly Husband knows that we can be easily distracted from the spiritual freedom He desires we experience together with Him on the Sabbath. He tells us to prepare in advance so that these kinds of self initiated labors will not detain us from the undivided dedicated attention He so desires from us during His special Sabbath day celebration. This leads to what to many is another very important and even pleasurable preoccupation that we on the Sabbath day are commanded to rest from.
(C-2)Whether Voluntary Or Paid, We Rest From even Non-Physical Labor Employment Or Activities Of The Secular Business World of Commerce or Supply And Demand
This Sabbath prohibition includes ALL forms of worldly employment for which earned income is gained for either ourselves or others. This means eating out at restaurants, going to the malls, ordering products online; ect (Neh. 10: 31; 13: 15-22).
Do you think spending your money for things at stores, restaurants or theaters on the Sabbath day helps encourage others to work; since it’s their business to sell you their goods?
Based on Exodus 20:9-11 is it okay in Yahweh’s eyes to encourage others or even strangers around us to do any of our or their, own work?
Do you think it’s okay in Yahweh’s eyes that many Jews today hire worldly people who don't keep the Sabbath to run their businesses so on the Sabbath they can still make money without having to work themselves?
Read again 13:15-18. What kind of attitude did Nehemiah have towards Yahweh’s people who profaned the Sabbath in this way?
Read 2 Tim 4:2-4. How would you respond to people today who claim to keep the Sabbath but feel they don’t need to obey Elohim’s command not to buy or sell (do business)? Should we respond the same way as Nehemiah; or let people continue to think they’re Sabbath keepers, and its no big deal?
Read Isaiah 56:2-8. What will happen to any man who obeys Yahweh’s limitations; on the Sabbath Day?
On this special day dedicated to Him, our Heavenly Husband doesn't want our focus distracted or preoccupied with earning an income or promoting others to do so by shopping at stores or purchasing the secular services of movies or restaurants. On the Sabbath we are to rest from this kind of pursuit and instead spend time focused specifically on what Yahweh Elohim is saying or doing.
(C-3) Rest From Lengthy Food Preparations
One very popular voluntary labor or chore of physical and mental exertion that can unnecessarily take away from a Elohim only Sabbath focus, is our food preparation (EX 16: 4-5,16-30). Our Heavenly Husband wants us to rest from the distracting preoccupation that extensive food preparation can cause. Remember Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #2? Our Elohim gave our Spiritual fore-Fathers (ancient Israel) and even us today, this specific guideline to follow in order to rest from distracting food preparations on the Sabbath day...
22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.23 .And he said unto them, This is that which Yahweh hath said, : and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning To morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto Yahweh bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe;
Dictionary.com Defines:seethe [seeth]Show,IPA or ( seethed verb, Obsolete ) or ( sod;seethed Obsolete ) or sod·den sod; seeth·ing; noun, verb (used without objec)
1.to surge or foam as if boiling.
2.to be in a state of agitation or excitement.
3.Archaic . to boil.verb (used with object)
4.to soak or steep.
5.to cook by boiling or simmering; boil.
The idea here is ancient forms of food preparation consumed a lot of time and attention, and Yahweh doesn't want us to let our Sabbath priority of undivided attention and important fellowship time with him to be detracted from. Like what was happening with Martha...
Luke 10:38,"As they traveled along, Yahshua entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His message. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Yahshua and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. 42But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Preparation of Sabbath meals should not be extensively involved or complicated; because only one thing is commanded as necessary on the Sabbath day. To prevent taking unnecessary time away from undivided corporate or individual worship and meditations on Yahweh, on the Sabbath we could simply eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast; and a simple cold sandwich and chips for lunch. We should not be dirtying up the kitchen to stir batter and baking things; or sitting over a hot stove frying up ground meat, boiling noodles, and mixing and stirring in sauces to make things like spaghetti from scratch on the Sabbath.
According to the commandment, if we must, we should do all this more involved food preparation or work the day before. We should eliminate having such distractions on the Sabbath by doing all this kind of preparing for meals on the sixth day for both days.Than meals on the Sabbath would already be ready and attention to food preparation minimized against taking unnecessary time and attention away from Yahweh's command to rest in Him. The most you should have to do is a quick warm up of something like spaghetti to serve for dinner.
Even better,is eliminating even the need to warm up foods by preparing a slow cooker (crock pot) meal on Friday's so that on the Sabbath, little more than a few seconds to be plugged in and turned on a timer to be ready to serve at dinner time is required. This leads us to...
(C-4) Sabbath Walking [END]
As you'll see, the inspired scriptures consistently seem to promote or suggest that, Elohim's idea of Sabbath rest extending even to the point of steering us to purposely minimize or limit physical exertions as a whole to only what's necessary to fulfill His Sabbath purposes. From Old Testament past, to New Testament future, we see Yahweh's people in their Sabbath worship practicing limited physical mobility. Even resting from unnecessary or to much walking was practiced by the disciples of Yahshua our Lord and Savior who himself did not make them follow unnecessary traditions of men such as washing their hands before eating (MT 15:1-3).
For three years, Yahshua taught his disciples by word and deed and only said or did what he saw the Holy Spirit led him to do. As a disciple of Yahshua, Dr. Luke addressed his gospel to a Gentile/Greek, disciple named Theophilus. Luke intended his gospel for the Gentile Christians. Paul was the leading apostle to the Gentiles disciples of Yahshua and may have encouraged Luke to write such an account. Luke wanted to give an account of the gospel to a non-Jewish audience who were not accustomed to Jewish beliefs and practices and who lived in a society dominated by the pagan Greek culture and Greek language. Luke wrote his gospel in the common Greek of the day. It was likely written between 63-70 A.D.
In Acts 1: 12 the Holy Spirit inspired Dr. Luke was led to mention to these Gentile disciples, how Yahshua's three year trained by the Master, New Covenant disciples, and leaders of the New Covenant church, still made it a point to limit their physical exertion of walking by foot through observing the traditionally set Sabbath distance. Holman Bible Dictionary:"Sabbath Day's Journey" Distance a Jew in Jesus's day considered ritually legal to walk on the seventh day.
This phrase appears only once in the Bible (Acts 1:12), describing the distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. Scholars have surmised that the expression came from God's instruction to the children of Israel as they prepared to cross the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 3:4). As they followed the priest bearing the ark of the covenant, they must maintain a distance of 2,000 cubits from it. Earlier, while in the wilderness, they had been told not to leave home on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:29). Rabbis eventually interpreted these commands as limiting Sabbath travel to 2,000 cubits. That was the farthest that a loyal Jew should be from his center of worship on the Sabbath."
In the three years He walked and taught His disciples, they emulated him and got to know his habits and customs, by following him in both example of word and deed. It is likely that our Lord Yahshua followed this same practice on the Sabbath. In light of this and how Sabbath sanctified celebration rule # 3 shows from Genesis mankind learned from Elohim who became Yahshua in the flesh, by following Elohim's own example or practice as well as his words on how to keep the Sabbath. The Holy Spirit who is Yahshua inspired DR. Luke to write and point out these very specific words to fellow disciples who were Gentiles in origin.
We know Yahweh is consistent, are we as His disciple going to be likewise consistent in following the Master? Remember what 1 John 2 says...
3 "By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments .4 If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5. But if anyone keeps His word, the love of Elohim has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Yahshua walked."
(C-5) Physically Fleeing For Life Even More Undesirable On The Sabbath
In MT 24: 20 The Master Yahshua Messiah says that in the tribulation of the future last days, the physical and mental exertion or stress of having to run or flee for one’s life should be prayed against. This specifically implies that even though it's not a sin to engage in the physical and mental distraction of running for your life on the Sabbath, having to do so is even more undesirable than it would be on the other days of the week.
It's so highly undesirable because as we've consistently been seeing from Yahweh's word as a whole, this unfortunate circumstance takes away from His people keeping the holy command of resting from man made or inspired preoccupations. This naturally leads to...
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #6:If you're a Christian, Father Yahweh is the Ultimate head of your house hold. As Elohim's friends or ordained under heads of HIs House hold, you like Father Abraham should be commanding that everyone within your realm of dominion keep the Yahweh's Sabbath. Just as Yahweh Elohim made Adam and Eve, and blessed them to live in a beautiful garden of Eden in which they were put in charge; the ultimate head of Adam and Eve was still Father Yahweh and they were to keep His Laws, statutes and commandments; and teach the rest of mankind (their children-Gen 18: 19; Josh.24:15, Deut 6:6-8;11:18-20) to strive to keep them also...:
In Exodus 20:8-11, can you find or write the number of the verse that shows parents should keep the Sabbath day holy by enforcing it's practice among their children?
Again, as the bride of Yahshua, the Messiah is your heavenly Husband and the ultimate head of your household. Like Adam and Eve He puts you in charge of proactively enforcing the rules of His house hold; even among guest or strangers who might be staying in your house or environment of control (EX 20: 10). Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #7: Like any sin, we are to hold our fellow brother and sisters accountable to repent when found not keeping the Sabbath according to the principles of Yahweh's word (Gal. 6:1;James 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:2).
Led by the Spirit Nehemiah 13: 19-21 reproved and corrected his fellow Isrealites. In Numbers 15: we see this exampled..: 32 While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, 34 and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. 35 Then Yahweh said to Moses, “The man must die.
The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp.” 36 So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death,as Yahweh commanded Moses. Unlike under the Old covenant, the New Covenant no-longer cuts deserving sinners off from Father Yahweh's people by physical death; but the steps of trying to get the sinner to repent in MT 18: 15-17 are to be followed.
Sabbath Sanctified Celebration Rule #8: Physical exertion or work inspired by and dedicated too the glorious, holy, good purposes of Father Yahweh is allowed.
(Mt 12: 1-8). First, because Yahshua is the Lord of the Sabbath, and he led by the Spirit gave glory to our Heavenly Father by showing mercy to people who are suffering. This is apart of loving your neighbor and Elohim and to do so is a normal practices of His law. Led by the Spirit, Yahshua gave this man rest from his suffering and glory to the Heavenly Father; he was not guilty of violating the Sabbath command.
Read MT.12: 9-13;LK 6:1-4,9: Would Father Yahweh call it bad for us to do works of mercy in which physical exertions we normally wouldn’t do on His Sabbath day help bring suffering or troubled animals and people relief? Read MT 12:1-4;Lk 6:1-5. Use Strong's Bible concordance to look up the following numbers for definitions of “an hungred “(#3983 & #3993).
Read 1 Sam 21:3-6. David and his men had been running for their lives from King Saul for a long time without and food or drink. They were in need of immediate sustenance. Would you say the fact that scripture doesn’t condemn David or his men for eating the Show bread demonstrates Father Yahweh mercifully makes some allowances or exceptions in certain situations (i.e. Life and death) to some of his rules; including the Sabbath? David and his men were Yahweh's servants. They were in a serious situation of life and death and Yahweh through His priest choose mercifully loving your neighbor over his normal show bread Law. During normal non- life threatening situations what both the Priest along with David and his men did would have been sin before Yahweh.
Does Mt 12:7 suggest that the disciples who were very hungry from walking around on the Sabbath serving the Master in His holy Spirit led ministry, were innocent in Yahweh's eyes when they simply plucked some grains of wheat as they passed a wheat field? Like David and his men who were serving Yahweh and in a harsh situation, obtained merciful relief from hunger by eating of the show bread, the disciples were suffering from hunger, and despite the Pharisees protest, were not guilty in Yahweh's eyes of unlawful farm work or harvesting on the Sabbath. Them picking a few grains of wheat to fill their stomachs with, wasn't even a exception normally not allowed by Yahweh.
Would you agree that helping troubled and suffering animals or people is also in keeping with Exodus 20:10; enabling them to better rest on Yahweh’s Sabbath day?
Read LK 13:15-16. Do you think Father Yahweh forbids us such everyday necessities as getting our thirsty or hungry pets food and water; or changing our baby’s diapers on the Sabbath?
Read 1 CHRON 23:28-32; 2 CHRON 31:2-3;Num 28:9-10,JN 7:22-24 and answer did Father Yahweh have exceptions as far as allowing or even commanding certain types of work to be done on the Sabbath? [END]
If you find He did allow a kind of work on the Sabbath, what category or kind of work would you label or name it under?
In scripture the penalty for men who on their own pick up sticks and light a fire on the Sabbath is death. Other men (priest) performing various Elohim assigned work such as making a fire, killing and cutting up sheep and bulls and placing their bodies on top of the alter of sacrifice on the Sabbath is okay? True/false
MT 12:1-5, Can you find and write the number of the versus from the scripture that further show how in Yahweh’s eyes those who worked on the Sabbath for His purposes are not guilty of breaking the Sabbath?
Read JN 5:5-17.Would you say this also shows that even though as a rule, our own work on the Sabbath isn’t allowed (Ex 20:9), Elohim directed physical labor or work done for His glory and ministry is allowed? Keeping this in mind, go back and consider Neh 13:19-21;15:21 & Num 15:36 to answer the following. Do you think in Yahweh’s eyes Nehemiah or his men would have been guilty of violating the Sabbath rest command, if he physically exerted himself, to carry out his threat? (Why or Why not?)
What about the Children of Israel in Numbers? (Why or Why not?)
Read LK 6:5. Because of who Yahshua is, if He (Elohim in the flesh) tells us on the Sabbath to physically exert ourselves, building an ark like Noah, would you say it’s OK?
In JN 5:5-13, for the glory of Elohim the Father, it was Yahshua the Lord of the Sabbath who led by the Holy Spirit commanded the supernaturally healed paralyzed man of thirty years to get up and carry his bed on the Sabbath day. If done for his own purposes and direction,this man doing the work of carrying his own bed on the Sabbath would be a sin against Yahweh, but since this was done for Yahweh's purposes and direction, he is innocent. If the Spirit leads you to physically exert yourself by dancing as David danced on the Sabbath, you are innocent.
What would you say to someone who teaches that Father Yahweh's word doesn’t ever allow work of any kind on His Sabbath?
Did Yahshua as the Creator of the Sabbath day interpreted how to keep it holy differently than the religious leaders of His time?
Many religious leaders today (modern day Pharisees) attempt to use these same arguments out of proper context of the whole counsel of Father Yahweh’s word to not only replace or throw out the man made regulations of the Pharisees of old, but also Elohim’s still in effect Sabbath command of resting from your own works. Do you agree that Yahweh's people should still strive to follow Father Yahweh’s command of Sabbath rest? Or like many who claim to follow Yahshua, should we make what Yahweh only allowed under rare circumstances as a Sabbath exception; become the rule for all that Yahweh say's we should rest from?
Do you think the anointed King David, along with his men who ate the sacred Show bread and were found guiltless, took this exception to mean that he could now do away with Father Yahweh’s command and teach that anyone not just the priest are regularly allowed to eat of it?
Read MT 5:17-20,15: 1-10. From reading scripture which statement is more probable?
1.) Yahshua (Sabbath Creator) was altogether doing away with physical limitations; even what He himself originally placed on the Sabbath in Genesis and Exodus, or
2.) He was simply restoring the Law (true Sabbath keeping) back to what He originally designed from the beginning; by correcting the false man made laws or traditions the Scribes and Pharisees erroneously enforced as the doctrines of Elohim?
Use the Strong's Concordance and look up the definition of Doctrine or Doctrines:
Again, read MT 24:19-20 and use the Strong's Bible Concordance to look up the definition of flight:
Many professed believers falsely believe that today under the New Covenant, Yahshua (Elohim in the flesh) has put to rest His own Sabbath command for His people to rest from their own human inspired physical or mental activities. As you can see in the above scriptures, Yahshua speaking of the still future end times, shows how the Sabbath command for His people to rest is still expected by him to be an important desire and holy practice. Naturally the immediate need for His people to suddenly depart and have to run for their lives, was made even more difficult if occurring on the Sabbath. Would you agree this is a big reason Yahshua asked the people to pray that their flight would not have to be on the Sabbath?
(A) HIS EXAMPLE OF REST HELPS US GRACIOUSLY SHARE IN HIS GLORY HONOR POWER AND PRAISE FOREVER
So now do you see why once a week Yahweh Elohim has us rest from our own works (plans, pleasures, words, and ways) unto only His works (plans, pleasures, words, and ways)? What Yahweh Elohim has already exampled to us in Genesis during the first Sabbath day of Creation week, unto its completion or New beginning of Heavens eternity in Revelation, is a reminder. A reminder that mans curse began when Adam and Eve forsook or demoted their Creator's only good desire with them, in exchange embracing their own desires that were outside of his leading as priority.
They should have strictly chosen Yahweh's plan, pleasures, words, and ways above their own. Our blessings begin when we forsake our ways and forever embrace and follow only Yahweh's own good Heavenly example; above all things. Yahweh unto who every knee shall bow and tongue acknowledge as both the beginning and completion of all things; whether unto eternal blessings or curse. That's why we are forever blessed by him and a blessing to each other, when we continue to follow after His Sabbath example.
His Sabbath example unto us is to do good by caring for one another (MT 12: 9-13;25: 34-40). Celebrating the Sabbath is not just meant to be a rest (of ceasing) or synonymous fast (of ceasing) from worldly secular affairs for ourselves. Following after Yahshua's righteous example we are to do good, helping others who are suffering, to also rest on the Sabbath. In fact the ultimate summary description of what Yahweh's eternal Sabbath rest example or fast, is meant to be, is again found in Isaiah 58... 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of Yahweh shall be thy reward.9 Then shalt thou call, and Yahweh shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.
If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:11 And Yahweh shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
In keeping the Sabbath holy, we symbolically celebrate Elohim's ultimate future example of once again using His Creative power completed in a showcase of His eternal rest with us...Rev. 21 " 3,"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and EL himself shall be with them, and be their EL.4 .And He shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
Praise Yahweh! We are going to rest or fast from the curse that our own works brought upon us from the Garden of Eden. A Heavenly rest we'll have with Yahweh Elohim for all eternity!!!
Conclusion:The Sabbath day is one of two surviving institutions established by Elohim in Edenic life that have persisted since the fall, the other being the closely related and symbolic of our relationship with Elohim marriage institution. Te Sabbath day is therefore, fundamental to Edenic and Heavenly paradise ideals. This day of rest occurs weekly, in order to keep always before us the fact of Elohim's rest at the close of Creation week,; and at the completion of this old sin cursed Earthly time.
We are to remember Yahweh Elohim everyday, but the Sabbath comes to us weekly, bringing larger opportunities for rest, meditation, and communion with the Creator. Before its blessed and precious effects have been lost, the approach of another Sabbath re-news its hallowing influence. Thus it sweetens all the days and extends its blessings to all our time, as we "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."