Sabbath is Made for Man
Brethren, yesterday we saw David being appointed as a king of Israel. Today he goes on to attack Goliath with just a sling and a stone. Obviously ill-equipped and at a disadvantage against the experienced, well-equipped Goliath, and ignoring the persuasion not to go against the philistine, young David marched forward courageously, with only one assurance: it’s God’s battle, not mine. So, against the vicious and vilifying giant, David proclaimed: “I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts.” David beat Goliath and restored dignity to Israel. The Goliaths we stand against daily may be individuals, groups, systems, unknown forces, and sometimes forces from within. Their menacing power cowers us and puts us under constant fear and horror. Knowing that the battle is the Lord’s and that we come against those forces in the name of God and never alone, is sufficient strength for the struggle. Loving God, please fight our life’s battles for us!
In the Gospel, today, we see growing violence and hatred towards Jesus in his ministry especially from Pharisees and Scribes who considered themselves teachers and took precedence of law even to human life. This is why we see them bitter with Jesus today, even planning how to destroy him after healing the man with a withered hand on Sabbath. Jesus really teaches us the real meaning of Sabbath and the law in general; human dignity and life must be preserved above every law. So, it is right and just to save human life even on Sabbath. The Pharisees and Scribes would not take these new teachings and we see them plotting to destroy him and this hatred will grow until his crucifixion.
Since the time of the first Apostles, Christians have traditionally celebrated Sunday as the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10; Acts 20:7; Luke 24:30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) to worship together around the table of the Lord (the Eucharist or Lord's Supper) and to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection. Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us in and through Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well.
Brethren, do you honor the Lord in the way you celebrate Sunday, the Lord's Day and in the way you treat your neighbor? Let us put charity and mercy above every law.
Let us Pray.
Lord Jesus, in your victory over sin and death on the cross and in your resurrection, you give us the assurance of sharing in the eternal rest of heaven. Transform my heart with your love that I may freely serve my neighbor for his good and find joy and refreshment in the celebration of Sunday as the Lord's Day. Amen
Be blessed.
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