“…This is what the Lord has said, ‘Tomorrow is the Sabbath, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake that which you will bake today, and boil that which you will boil, and all that which remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’”

— Exodus 16:23

In the days of Moses, when His people were wandering in the wilderness, God provided for them daily bread in the form of manna. On the day before the Sabbath, however, they were to gather enough for two days. Then next day, on the Sabbath day, there was none on the ground. If the manna was left overnight on any of the other days, it would have worms and stink, but on that seventh day it would not corrupt or gather worms, and it would be good the next day.

How amazing God is! This reminds us of the fact that if we will remember His Sabbath, God will provide for us. Working on the Sabbath is something to avoid if at all possible. I think of one man who told me years ago that he had to work on the Lord’s Day to gather up money for some unusual expenses. I knew at the time that would not work out, and, lo and behold, the day came when he lost his primary job and had a severe financial setback. I believe that if he had obeyed God that would not have happened to him.

Jesus taught us that the Sabbath was made for our good. Indeed we do better when we rest for a day. The Sabbath day is a “day of sacred assembly,” according to Leviticus 23:3 (NIV). As much as is possible, we should set aside the Lord’s day for worship and for rest.

Lord, give me strength for today to rest on Your day, to gather with Your people and worship You in Spirit and in truth. Thank You for the gift of a day off, the gift of Your re-creation in our lives…

BY GOD’S STRENGTH, WE CAN HONOR
THE SABBATH AND BE REFRESHED.