Last Sunday, we continued our study on Exodus.  I spoke on 16:1-36.  The lesson learnt was that we can trust God to provide for our needs: God will take care of us every day and moment of our lives.  Thus, we need not worry, if after having fulfilled our responsibility at earning money, we can only earn that little—He will ensure that we do not lack because “one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little” (Exod 16:18).  God also commands us to rest our physical bodies and rest mentally and spiritually on the Christian Sabbath (Lord’s Day).  That day would normally be Sunday.  For some countries, it could be a Friday.

Does that mean we cannot do any work on the Christian Sabbath (Lord’s Day) or Sunday?  No.  Jesus gives us an important principle: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).  In other words, whether or not work can be done depends on whether or not that work done brings benefit to humans—that is, it is not to benefit God but humans.  Thus, we reject how extremist Jews keep the Sabbath.  They do not even allow cooking, taking a bus or turning on the lights!

Jesus allows works of necessity.  Thus, Jesus heals the sick on the Sabbath: if you see someone injured, you must help him.  Works of necessity include also attending to workplace emergencies.  But what about regular working on Sundays?  Some jobs operate on Sundays.  God’s desire, however, is that we reserve a day when we can rest physically and at the same time, worship God (usually Sunday) with God’s people.  I understand, however, that there are difficulties.  Let me respond with several points.

First, I commend Christians who after understanding the need to rest on the Lord’ Day (usually Sunday), they begin to make serious adjustments to avoid working on Sundays.  I know it can be difficult.  The first thing is to decide to do that which pleases God.  Then ask God to help you make the necessary arrangements so that you can rest on Sundays and worship God with the church you belong to.

Second, if you are an Christian employee who is required to work on Sundays, you should request not to work on Sundays.  But before making that request, demonstrate to your employer that you are not lazy.  Work very hard from Mondays to Saturdays.  Then when you request to rest on Sundays, or at least attend worship service, God may move the heart of your employer to grant you your request.  If you really need to work on a particular Sunday during worship service time, make up by attending another God honouring church at another time.  You should not , however, always be worshiping in another church: if you keep on missing out on fellowshipping with your church mates, you will grow spiritually cold.

Third, can we go shopping, do sports, study if my exam falls on the next day or attend a work place meeting for two hours?  I do not think I should lay down a list of rigid do’s and don’ts.  Jesus spells out the principle: Sabbath is made for the benefit of humans.  That is, all things done should not deprive you of real rest but help you to rest physically, mentally and spiritually.  Physical rest comes from resting from your job and school work.  Spiritual rest comes by worshipping God not alone but with God’s people and your church mates.

Thus, work very hard during the week days so that you can rest physically, mentally and spiritually on the Lord’s Day.  Honour God by trying your  best to make the necessary arrangement so that you can really rest on the Lord’s Day.  Undeniably, however, making such arrangements is not easy; it requires you to exercise faith, faith that God will take care of you when you seek to obey him by keeping the Lord’s Day holy.  Trust God to care for you.  Honour God for your own benefit—you need wholesome rest.