The second difference between this and the Deuteronomy account is in the motive for the Sabbath. Here we are to “remember” the Lord’s Day as a reminder of the creation and God’s rest upon completing His work.

Here I think a twofold focus is in order. The Sabbath should lead us to consider the wonders of creation and to see them as the works of the Lord, manifesting His glory and calling us to worship. These, in turn, should remind us that God has rested from His work and calls us to join Him in that rest. As we rest on the Sabbath, reflecting on God’s work and His rest, we reorient our souls to the proper framework for working out our salvation: This is our Father’s world, and He has brought us into His rest in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Use the Lord’s Day actively to concentrate on and celebrate the work and rest of God, and you will be prepared for the week to come as the Lord intends.

T. M. Moore

The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.