Our scripture this morning is Mark 2:27-28 (ESV).
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
I was reminiscing over the holidays about how most businesses used to be closed on Sundays. Part of me was nostalgic for a slower, simpler time (or so it seemed), but when I read today’s scripture it brought me up short. Jesus is talking about this very thing. The Sabbath is God’s gift to us, and there is a commandment to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). However, while God gave us this guidance, He wants us to obey out of love, not coercion. I remember a pastor during my teen years saying no one will be saved against their will, we must choose to follow Jesus into eternity. Observing the Sabbath and all of God’s instruction willingly, not out of fear of punishment is what He wants for us.
Gracious God, we want to worship You in spirit and in truth. You have given us laws to follow for our own good. Help us to see that You want all Your children back safe as part of the eternal family. Amen.
