The Jewish Sabbath was instituted as a reminder that God had delivered Israel from their slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). As such, the day was marked by joy. It was not a dour or dull affair. It was a day of feasting and celebration. Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, came … [Read more...] about The 4th Commandment
Sabbath
The Sabbath Under Our Feet
Sunday is typically a day of rest for the church. We have several rest days, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas among them. For some these days are glorious opportunities to say no. For others, such days are demanding and we dread them. They hang over our heads like a dark … [Read more...] about The Sabbath Under Our Feet
Jesus, Lord of all Rest
Jesus' Sabbath healings in John 5 result in persecution. But this does not stop Him doing them when he returns to Galilee in Luke 6. Quite the opposite, He starts doing them all the more. The two incidents in Luke 6 teach us that for God, the Sabbath is more about compassion … [Read more...] about Jesus, Lord of all Rest
Jesus, A Victory Tour
Jesus, having won a definitive victory over Satan during His time of temptation, now begins a victory tour of Galilee, proclaiming release for those under Satan's rule (Luke 4:16-21). Here, in the synagogue, Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61, who in his day was prophesying to a people … [Read more...] about Jesus, A Victory Tour
In Praise of Standing Still
We live and move in a world that no longer rests. What's more, the number of places that you can rest seems to be on the decline. But rest is not only a geographical reality, it is also a spiritual reality. One that can often be found in people. I have a friend, her name is … [Read more...] about In Praise of Standing Still