John 5:16 “Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the Sabbath.”

The Sabbath has been a day of rest since God created the world.  In Genesis the bible tells us that He blessed the seventh day and hallowed it and Jesus healed a man on the blessed Sabbath day.  If the Jewish leaders had believed Jesus was from God they would not have questioned his behavior but why are they questioning what Jesus is doing anyway?  Are they trying to keep the peace or are they trying to maintain control over their people?  Are they pointing out an infraction of the law or are they getting puffed up in their own rule following?  Rules are a good thing and they serve purpose but rule keepers can cross a line pretty quickly when they follow the rules simply for the sake of the rule.  Do we drive the speed limit because it is the rule or because it is a safe speed to drive?  God gave us the Sabbath as a day of hallowed rest.  In today’s society I suspect we would be persecuted for observing the Sabbath rather than what Jesus was experiencing here.  Take time in the next day to find some rest in the Lord.  Start with a tiny Sabbath hour and see what blessings you receive for it.

Lord,

You call us to rest in you, to rest in honor of you and we never stop running.  We go from dawn to well beyond dusk every day and wonder why we feel so worn down sometimes.  Help us take time to rest in your presence and to thank you for the rest you so lovingly provide to us.  Amen.