Sharing Scripture — May 20, 2023

Texts: James 2:8–13; Deuteronomy 5:12–15; Psalm 33:6, 9; Revelation 14; 21:1; 2 Peter 3:13

Congressman Mark Takano believes its time that Americans enjoy a shorter workweek – a 32-hour workweek, to be exact. Trial runs of the 4-day workweek in Europe are revealing positive results, including happier, more productive employees and equally or more successful business endeavors.

Although many major issues loom that lead U.S. economists and businessmen to question the feasibility of a truncated workweek, the main concern for proponents of the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act is the quality of life for the American workforce.

Financial impacts aside, an extra day of rest to spend with family and to decompress from a busy week sounds pretty inviting. And many of us could enjoy this if we followed the Sabbath as God intended … and commanded.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work. … For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11, NIV)

The angel of Revelation 14:6-7 echoes the Sabbath commandment by focusing on the reason we should fear (worship) God, that is, God’s role as Creator of heaven, earth, and sea.

This angel’s call points back to the Sabbath commandment of Exodus 20:8-11 and its later iteration in Deuteronomy 5:12-15. And in this commandment God is revealed as Creator with the authority and the power to rule over all creation. Therefore, creation, worship and judgment are inextricably linked.

Thus, Satan would love nothing more than to destroy the Sabbath which is in itself a revelation of God’s nature and character, lending credence to the Adventist interpretation that the closer we get to the Second Coming, the more Satan desecrates and attempts to disestablish the Sabbath.

Sharing: Besides the call to keep the Sabbath, which tie between Deuteronomy 5:15 and Revelation 14:6-13 most resonates with you?

1. We contribute nothing to our salvation
2. God is mightier than the enemy
3. God’s commands are absolute
4. The judgment that we deserve is terrifying
5. Sabbath is a sign of the saved/saints
6. Other:

Applying: We often view Sabbath as a day of don’ts. But Jesus says that Sabbath was made for man (Mark 2:27-28). Draft a list of Sabbath activities you enjoy and reflect on the blessings they offer.

 

~ Stefani Leeper