In my recollections of my father and our church life, I remember that he rarely attended church, except for special occasions like weddings, funerals, and our annual Christmas play. Despite this, he firmly believed in and adhered to the principles of the 10 commandments. He often expressed that he had faith in the “Good Book” and earnestly strived to live according to the commandments.

While my father didn’t go to church on Sundays, he observed the Sabbath in his own way. Sundays were designated as a day of rest for him. As a family, we considered Saturdays as our primary day to tackle all the household chores, from cutting the grass to doing laundry. It was a busy day, dedicated to keeping our yard and house in order.

My father was adamant about completing all the tasks on Saturdays so that come Sunday, we could truly rest. Although some essential tasks like feeding the farm animals or tending to the garden might be necessary on Sundays, we made every effort to finish our weekly work by Saturday night.

Sundays held a special significance for us – they were reserved for honoring God, attending church, spending time with family, and allowing our bodies and minds to experience physical rest. While our approach to observing the Sabbath may have differed from the traditional church attendance, my father instilled in us the importance of setting aside a day for God, reflection, and rejuvenation.

Looking back, I cherish these memories because they taught me that honoring the Sabbath is about more than merely attending a church service; it is about setting apart a day for spiritual growth, family bonding, and personal renewal. My father’s commitment to observing the principles of the 10 commandments and dedicating Sundays to God and rest has left a lasting impact on my understanding of faith and the value of true Sabbath observance.

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV)

“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, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 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.”

In our daily busyness the concept of rest can seem foreign and almost unattainable. We often find ourselves constantly connected to work, social media, and various responsibilities, leaving little time to pause and reflect on our relationship with God. However, the biblical practice of Sabbath observance holds timeless truths that are still relevant and essential in our lives today.

The Sabbath, a holy day of rest and worship for the Jews, carries a deep spiritual significance. Rooted in the very creation story, God set aside the seventh day as a time of rest, not because He needed it, but as a model for humanity to follow. The Sabbath symbolizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding us that we are set apart for God’s purposes, just as this day is set apart from the others.

By observing the Sabbath, we learn three vital lessons:

1. **Rest in God’s Provision**: God’s command to rest on the Sabbath reminds us that our well-being doesn’t solely depend on our efforts. Instead, it reflects our trust in God’s provision. When we cease from our work, we acknowledge that it is God who sustains us and gives us the strength we need to carry on.

2. **Fellowship and Worship**: The Sabbath is a time for community and worship. Gathering together as believers to honor God allows us to draw closer to Him and to one another. It provides an opportunity to praise God for His goodness and seek His guidance for the week ahead.

3. **Reflection and Renewal**: Sabbath observance offers a chance for reflection, prayer, and study of God’s Word. In a world that clamors for our attention, the Sabbath allows us to slow down and meditate on the truths that ground our faith. It renews our spirits and reminds us of God’s unchanging promises.

While the specific day of observance may differ between Christians and Jews, the underlying principle remains the same: setting aside time for rest and worship to honor God. For Christians, Sunday became a day of significance as it marks the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, regardless of the day, the heart of Sabbath observance lies in the desire to draw near to God and embrace the covenant relationship He offers us.

When Sunday arrives, it’s easy to find excuses not to attend church. We may feel tired, have household chores or yard work to do, be dealing with sickness, lack motivation, or feel bored with the routine. However, let us remember that the purpose of resting on Sunday, as mentioned earlier, is not for us to be lazy – please don’t take offense – but for us to have dedicated time for God and His people.

Certainly, we can worship at home, and it’s a beautiful practice. But there is something truly special about the gathering of God’s people in a church setting. When we come together, we join our voices in singing praise songs, listen to the same message from God’s Word, and pray as one community. God never intended for us to be isolated; that’s why He created Eve as a companion, and He desires us to worship Him together as a community.

Of course, there may be moments when we need personal, intimate time with God, and that’s important too. However, since Sunday is set aside as our corporate day of worship, we should cherish this time to honor God as a unified body of believers. The fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth that occur when we gather are essential for our faith journey.

So, let us resist the temptation to make excuses and prioritize our attendance at church. The time spent together in worship and community has a unique significance in our relationship with God. As we come together, we are reminded of God’s presence among us and His desire for us to support, love, and learn from one another. Embracing the togetherness of Sunday worship enriches our faith and helps us experience God in a deeper, more meaningful way. 

Let us not neglect the practice of Sabbath observance, for it is a gift from God designed to nourish our souls and deepen our relationship with Him. May we find rest, renewal, and joy in setting apart time for God, following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who Himself often sought solitude to pray and commune with the Father. As we embrace the beauty of Sabbath rest, we are reminded of God’s love and faithfulness, and we discover the peace that surpasses all understanding.