God's Gift for Busy People
Two basic institutions for all humankind date from the first week of earth's history: marriage and the Sabbath. They are an intrinsic part of the divine program for human happiness. No wonder that both have, through the ages, been so much under attack from the evil one. God knew what humanity would need, and He therefore created time with a perfect cycle of six "normal" days plus one extraordinary day: the Sabbath. And ever since, those who have respected this divinely instituted rhythm have been blessed by it.
Why did God Himself rest on the seventh day after the creation of the world? Gen. 2:2, 3.
With what term does the prophet Ezekiel refer to the Sabbath? What do you think that means? Ezek. 20:12.
"After resting upon the seventh day, God sanctified it, or set it apart, as a day of rest for man. Following the example of the Creator, man was to rest upon this sacred day, that as he should look upon the heavens and the earth, he might reflect upon God's great work of creation; and that as he should behold the evidences of God's wisdom and goodness, his heart might be filled with love and reverence for his Maker.
"God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise. He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for one day of the seven, that he might more fully contemplate the works of God and meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath to remind him more vividly of God and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the beneficent hand of the Creator."—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 47, 48.
What is your experience with the Sabbath? Do you enjoy it? Do you come to a deeper appreciation of God through contemplating the marvels of His creation? If not, what changes could you make that could help you have a more fulfilling Sabbath experience? |
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