Blessings That Come From Faithful Sabbath Observance

The Sabbath was an expression of God's deep concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of his people.  Jesus said:  "The Sabbath came into existence for the sake of man."  (mark 2:27) This day sanctified by Jehovah afforded the Israelites a special opportunity to show their love for God.  Sadly, by Isaiah's time it has been reduced  to a day of observing empty  rituals and indulging in selfish desires.  So once again, Jehovah has caused  to censure his people. And, again, he tries to reach their hearts.  He says:  "If in view of the Sabbath you will turn back your foot as regards doing your own delights on my holy day, and will actually call the Sabbath an exquisite delight, a holy day of Jehovah, one being glorified, and will actually glorify it rather than doing your own ways, rather than finding what delights you and speaking a word; you will in that case find your exquisite delight in Jehovah, and I will make you ride  upon the high places of the earth; and I will cause you to eat from the hereditary  possession of Jacob your forefather, for the mouth of Jehovah itself has spoken it."-Isaiah 58:13, 14.

The Sabbath is a day for spiritual contemplation, prayer, and family worship.  It should help  the Jews reflect on Jehovah's wonderful deeds in their behalf and on the justice and love manifest in his Law. Thus, faithful observance of this holy day should help the people draw closer to God.  Instead, they are perverting  the Sabbath and therefore are in danger of being cut off from Jehovah's blessing.  -Leviticus 26:34; 2 Chronicles 36:21.

Still, if the Jews learn from the discipline and turn to honoring the Sabbath arrangement, rich blessings are in store.  The good effects of true worship and respect for the Sabbath will spill over into all aspects of their lives.  (Deuteronomy 28:1-13; Psalm 19:7-11)  For example, Jehovah will make his people "ride upon the high places of the earth."  This expression signifies security and conquest of one's enemies.  Whoever controls the high places-the hills and the mountains-controls the land.  (Deuteronomy 32:13;  33:29) At one time Israel obeyed Jehovah and the nation enjoyed his protection and was respected, even feared, by other nations.  (Joshua 2:9-11; 1 Kings 4:20, 21)   If once again they turn to Jehovah in obedience, some of that former glory will be restored.  Jehovah will grant his people a full share in "the hereditary possession of Jacob" -the blessings promised through His covenant with their forefathers, especially the blessing of secure possession of the Promised Land. -Psalm 105:8-11.

Is there a lesson in this for Christians?  Upon the death of Jesus Christ, the Mosaic  Law was done away with, including its Sabbath requirements. (Colossians 2:16, 17)  However, the spirit that the Sabbath observance should have encouraged in Judah-putting spiritual interests first and drawing close to Jehovah-is still vital for worshipers of Jehovah.  (Matthew 6:33; James 4:8)  Moreover, Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews, says:  "There remains a Sabbath resting for the people of God."  Christians enter into this "Sabbath resting" by being obedient to Jehovah and pursuing righteousness based on faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  (Hebrews 3:12, 18, 19; 4:6, 9-11, 14-16)  For Christians, this kind of Sabbath observance is kept, not just one day a week, but every day. -Colossians 3:23, 24.

Next time: Spiritual Israel 'Rides Upon Earth's High Places'

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001